27/12/2006
NEWS STORY
Although yet to be officially confirmed as a Toro Rosso driver for 2007, Tonio Liuzzi is almost certain to line up for the Faenza-based team next season, with team co-owner Gerhard Berger recently telling Caroline Reid that the Italian and (2006 teammate) Scott Speed are "definitely on pole position" for the drives.
Contrary to what has been reported elsewhere, Berger told Reid that the decision regarding drivers had been delayed while the team's management focussed on getting its engines sorted out.
During the final test of the year, Toro Rosso ran three-time Champ Car champion Sebastian Bourdais, a man who has long had his eye on the pinnacle of motorsport, and though the Frenchman gave a good account of himself, Liuzzi remains unimpressed.
"He probably thought he would get here and humble everyone," the Italian told Autosprint. "However, if even by a small amount, in the two days of our challenge I was faster.
"And the gap would have been wider without a traction control problem on the new tyres," he added.
With three successive Champ Car titles under his belt, not to mention the 2002 F3000 title, Bourdais has an impressive track record. Whereas, Liuzzi, 2004 F3000 champion, though rarely given the best (F1) equipment, and backed by a company (Red Bull) which seems determined to squander his talent - and that of the other drivers in its charge - has not proven to be the hot shot we all expected.
Bourdais is contracted to compete in Champ Car once again in 2007, but could well make the switch to F1 the following season.