So the 2009 line up: Bourdais is officially confirmed by STR

Posted by BAR#10

Re: So the 2009 line up ...**some links posted here contain spoilers of currrent GP***
Date: August 27, 2008 03:21PM
Posted by: msater

Registered: 16 years ago

Nick Heidfeld's manager was seen in the Red Bull motorhome at Valencia, full article here:

Following a poor showing at Valencia last weekend, Nick Heidfeld's future in Formula One is back under a dark cloud.

"When we are in a position to do so, we need to be scoring with both cars," BMW Sauber team boss Mario Theissen was quoted as saying by RTL after the European Grand Prix, where Robert Kubica finished on the podium and Heidfeld was ninth and out of the points.

Dispensing with Heidfeld, however, could be an expensive option for BMW - not only will the Swiss-based outfit need to replace the veteran with a talented successor, but it is understood Heidfeld is already firmly under contract, with a multi-million dollar retainer, for 2009.

In the German press, however, it is rumoured that Heidfeld's managers Andre Theuerzeit and Werner Heinz nonetheless recognise the gravity of the situation and are on the hunt for a back-up plan.

Theuerzeit was spotted more than once in the Red Bull motor home at Valencia, possibly to explore the vacancies at the energy drink company's junior team Toro Rosso.

However, another team boss with a vacancy for next year, Honda's Nick Fry, is quoted as telling the German newspaper AZ when asked about a 2009 berth: "Heidfeld? No."

Also, Pedro De La Rosa is still hoping for F1 race return, full article here:

At the age of 37 and two years since his last Grand Prix, Pedro de la Rosa has not given up on one day returning to the Formula One grid.

The Spaniard, who has not had a full time race seat since 2002, today attends all the Grand Prix as McLaren's primary test and reserve driver.

He has been needed at the races by McLaren on a few occasions, most notably in 2006 following Juan Pablo Montoya's departure.

At Valencia, de la Rosa was on standby while Lewis Hamilton struggled with the 'flu and neck pains, but ultimately the Briton took his usual place on the starting grid.

De la Rosa told sport.es that coming to the races simply to watch is a tough job.

"This year we have had two Grand Prix in Spain, so for me it is terrible," he said.

"I have to just think about the next test, the next time I will get into the car - that's the only thing that motivates me," he explained.

"Also, Hamilton is doing a good job and I am happy about that because it means I must be doing my job well too.

"But it is only a consolation. Let me be very clear that my only aim is to be racing again, and as long as there is hope, I will continue to try," he said.

Pedro de la Rosa said any possible options for the 2009 season will become clearer within the next few months.

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