Dec.9 (GMM) Jaime Alguersuari has reportedly been promised the second race seat at Toro Rosso in 2010, despite the fact the Spanish teen’s name was missing from the recent FIA entry list.
A report by Spain’s Marca reveals that officials for the Faenza based team are delaying confirmation of the deal until talks with potential Spanish sponsors are concluded.
With his 2009 teammate Sebastien Buemi’s seat already confirmed, Alguersuari’s management met with the team at the recent Jerez test and were told he will also be racing next March, the sports newspaper added.
The report said Toro Rosso’s increased need for sponsors is due to the fact that, for the first time, the team is designing and developing its own car for 2010 rather than relying on owners Red Bull.
Marca revealed that other drivers are offering Toro Rosso their services and up to 10 million euros in sponsorship for the second race seat.
“The Italians (Toro Rosso) directed all of them to Red Bull, the ones who must decide,” the Spanish language report said.
But Marca explained that Red Bull are not going to kick out Alguersuari, “whom they have been developing for years, for a handful of euros”.
