“I'm on the lookout, but in the current economic crisis, it's difficult to find money, and not just in France,” Bourdais was quoted as saying by German magazine Auto Motor und Sport. The Frenchman is likely to compete against Takuma Sato for a racing seat with Toro Rosso, as the Red Bull-backed team is expected to name Sebastien Buemi as part of their drivers' lineup for 2009.
The three drivers are currently testing for the Scuderia at Jerez – autumn's second test meeting, after Barcelona – with Buemi topping the timing sheets on Tuesday. Bourdais is due to be replaced by Sato in the Toro Rosso cockpit on day three of the testing meeting.
According to the latest rumors in the F1 paddock, Sato is currently in pole position for securing the second Toro Rosso racing seat for 2009. Should he sign a deal with Dietrich Mateschitz's team, the F1 veteran – former driver for Super Aguri, BAR Honda and Jordan – is expected to boost sales of the famous energy drink (Red Bull) on the Japanese market. However, Bourdais insisted things are not as simple as they may seem at first glance.
'There are so many stories. But the fact is that, even in Japan, you don't just find money on the streets,' added the Frenchman.
Nevertheless, in times of economic regression like these – Honda themselves decided to quit F1 later this month due to financial difficulties – sponsorship money should make the difference between the two drivers. Also, Toro Rosso may go for Sato due to his extensive experience inside the Great Circle – the Japanese has entered 91 starts, as oppossed to Bourdais' 18.
The Faenza-based team is likely to name their official line-up following the Jerez testing.
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