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[scotty]

Alguersuari gets nod for Hungary debut

By Jonathan Noble Monday, July 13th 2009, 09:54 GMT

Jaime Alguersuari will become the youngest Formula 1 driver in history when he makes his debut for the Scuderia Toro Rosso team as replacement for Sebastien Bourdais at the Hungarian Grand Prix, AUTOSPORT has learned.

Following a weekend of speculation about Bourdais' future, on the back of a disappointing first half to the campaign, Toro Rosso is expected to confirm within the next 48 hours that it has decided to part company with the Frenchman.

And although the team has decided that reigning British F3 champion Alguersuari will be slotted into the seat alongside Sebastien Buemi, an announcement confirming the plan is not expected until after the Spaniard has finished competing in this weekend's World Series by Renault race at Le Mans.

Toro Rosso has decided to give the youngster the race opportunity in spite of his lack of experience as it is the only way for him to gain experience in preparation for a full season in 2010, due to the in-season testing ban. The team has so far declined to comment on the situation.

There are also suggestions that Alguersuari's step up is being eased by Spanish oil company Repsol, who are personal backers of the youngster and are poised to tie-up a deal with Toro Rosso.

Alguersuari's step-up means he will make his debut at the age of 19 years and 125 days. It beats the previous record of 19 years and 182 days held by Mike Thackwell, who drove for Tyrrell in Canada 1980 - although was officially a non-starter after a first-lap red flag.

The next youngest driver was Ricardo Rodriguez, who raced for Ferrari at the 1961 Italian Grand Prix aged 19 years and 208 days.

Despite Alguersuari's promotion to the race seat, Sebastien Loeb remains linked with a switch to F1 with Toro Rosso once his commitments in the world rally championship are finished this season.

Well, he's last season's and the youngest British F3 champion ever...

[Frosty]

Lets see what he can do!

[The-Stig]

Oh my God, Torro Rosso have signed someone whose name isn't Sebastian.

[The Oz]

The guy wasn't even a reserve driver a few rounds ago. His rocketed up the rankings. By the end of the round he'll be a race winner and by the end of the year a world champion lol

[The-Stig]

The guy wasn't even a reserve driver a few rounds ago. His rocketed up the rankings. By the end of the round he'll be a race winner and by the end of the year a world champion lol

It is mathematically possible

[EwanM]

To be fair it isn't the nicest way to jump into F1... but another Spaniard in F1

IT was quite a battle in F3 last season so we'll see how he can handle F1. I think it's too early... then again it wasn't for Vettel...

It's getting a bit worring when new drivers are entering F1 younger than you actually are...

[Chris_0648]

This guy is way too young and inexperienced for F1. He's only 10th in the WSR standings for crying out loud. The only reason he has a drive is because of Repsol waving a cheque in Franz Tost's face...

I'm almost expecting him to be a second plus off of Buemi's pace, he should have had a season in GP2 first.

It pains me to see guys like this with a drive, when Senna, Pantano et al are all without anything.

Eh, no disrespect to the lad. All the best to him, and glad he's got his break. I dont know as it'll work out though.

[EwanM]

It is a sad state of affairs when Pay drivers (basically) are returning to F1.

James Hunt would be furious.

[Jamie]

Ridiculous.
it's all

Bordais will be there next race....End Off

[McLaren Fan]

Alguersuari looks talented, but I think he's entering Formula One too soon. Hopefully, Toro Rosso (and the media) have patience with him and give him the space he needs to fulfil his potential.

[EwanM]

Alguersuari looks talented, but I think he's entering Formula One too soon. Hopefully, Toro Rosso (and the media) have patience with him and give him the space he needs to fulfil his potential.

You just no they won't

[cap-dude]

Vettel was what, 19 when he started, and has since become the youngest winner in F1. Lewis was only 22 and was thrown straight into a championship battle which he almost won.

So clearly in my opinion, age isn't a problem. The real problem is that he's never even been in a Formula 1 car, at all. So really, how do we know if he's any good at all. How do Red Bull even know. Also, what about Brendon Hartely. He was reserve driver a few weeks ago, does that mean he just missed out on an F1 seat, or was this all engineered by Red Bull.

Looking at his current results in WSR, sitting 8th in the championship may not look good. But then again, Vettel finished 15th in his first year of WSR, and look where he is now. The way I see it, he'll either sink or swim. That seems to be the way with Red Bull drivers these days.

[EwanM]

I realise that there is no one clear route to Formula One, but despite all of these extra series dilluting the driver pool, it is clear that here is some sort of ladder to climb.

I realise some didn't follow this route - Raikkonen, Button, Vettel to name a few, but I do feel that cherrypicking drivers from lower formula does discredit certain series. For example GP2.

It is apparent to me that the winner of F2 this year will probably not get a drive in Formula One (maybe only due to the new teams coming in). More than likely they will have to go into GP2. Whereas something in the World Series or F3 Euroseries or something will.

[bud]

i think Torro Rosso are pathetic!

[Jamie]

i think Torro Rosso are pathetic!

Right on brother. I think they make the entrance to F1 too simple