Recent reports have suggested that the Faenza based team are looking at alternatives for the second racing seat for 2010, as Jaime Alguersuari's deal is yet to be signed. The first name linked to that role was Senna, despite his already-signed contract with Campos Grand Prix. However, due to the Spanish team's money problems lately, it was believed that the Brazilian driver would choose to run for STR, in the event that Campos would not make the entry list of the 2010 F1 Championship.
“It's not true. I've never heard about it,” said Marko, according to 422race.com.
In addition, the Red Bull consultant told the media that Heidfeld was never really regarded as a potential driver for the Faenza team, but insisted that has nothing to do with his ability as a driver. It's more like he doesn't fit the STR profile, which is a young, promising and sponsor-magnet type of racer.
“In our considerations, Nick Heidfeld plays no role. That has nothing to do with his quality as a driver. Toro Rosso is purely a Red Bull junior team, and the budgets and many other things are closely aligned to that,” added Marko, when talking to Germany's Sport Bild.
More, Marko once again reiterated Red Bull's desire to employ Jaime Alguersuari, insisting that the only reason why the young Spaniard is not on the FIA entry list is related to a few contractual details.
“It will be Alguersuari. It's just some contractual details that have to be solved, but generally it's Alguersuari,” added Marko, while also explaining to the media what happened in the Mirko Bortolotti case. Although he's seen as one of the most promising young drivers out there, the Italian was ousted from Red Bull's junior programme a few days before he turned 20.
“It's true, yes. We offered him an F2 seat, but we wanted him to move to Milton Keynes, where all our other drivers are, like Ricciardo and Hartley. They all are working on the simulator and so on, so to have a comparison. And he (Bortolotti) declined to go to England. That's why we stopped it,” concluded Marko.
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