'Bourdais still needs to prove himself'

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SEBASTIEN BOURDAIS

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Friday 29th August 2008

Time is running out for Sebastien Bourdais to earn himself a 2009 Toro Rosso contract, according to team co-owner Gerhard Berger.

While Bourdais's F1 career started well with the former Champ Car Champ outperforming his much-lauded team-mate Sebastian Vettel, life in F1 appears to be progressively getting harder.

Not only does he have just one points-finish to his name, Vettel has also overtaken the Frenchman in recent weeks. Ever since the introduction of the STR3 Bourdais has suffered in comparison to Vettel, who is going from strength to strength.

As a result Bourdais has yet to be guaranteed a 2009 race-seat with Berger admitting he still needs to prove himself before Toro Rosso look to extend his stay.

"In Formula One you have to give someone half a year of time before you start to judge him. The half year is over and he is now in a situation where he has to prove his talents," Berger told the official F1 website.

"I would not say that I already have a clear opinion on him, but I also have to say that Sebastian Vettel started a couple of races before and he performed very well in the first half year.

"So we will have to see how the second half goes for Sebastien Bourdais. And honestly I don't want to be drawn into an expression of opinion at this very moment."