Although everybody believed Kimi Raikkonen, Kamui Kobayashi and Jarno Trulli were the only ones racing for a Toyota seat, it now appears that rookie driver Sebastien Buemi was also eyeing a switch to the Japanese manufacturer. The Swiss driver admitted the prospect of joining the Cologne headquarters was very appealing, but their withdrawal made it easier for him to sign a new agreement with Scuderia Toro Rosso.
“I had some contact with other teams due to my good results at the end of the season. Toyota could have been a possibility because they had not yet hired any drivers. That was not the only one, and anyway I was always talking with (Toro Rosso owner) Red Bull. Finally I signed with Toro Rosso for 2010,” confirmed Buemi.
Buemi will therefore continue his Formula One career as leading driver of the STR outfit, while joined by Spanish driver Jaime Alguersuari for the 2010 campaign. While a rookie in 2009, Buemi will not have to step up and become the new leader of this team, especially since he is the only driver with a full-season of experience in his CV.
“I assume that he will team up with me next year,” said Buemi, regarding his future teammate Alguersuari, while also arguing the team's decision to bring the Spanish teenager on board midway through the last season.
“I think the team chose to change in the middle (of the season) because we can't really do any testing so he may as well get used to the car now,” added the Swiss driver.
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