Toro Rosso has fuelled rumours that Sebastien Buemi could be set for a surprise return to the team as the Italian outfit looks to replace the departing Pierre Gasly.
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The team posted a photo of the 2015-16 Formula E champion undergoing a seat fitting, captioned: “Ciao Seb! Our reserve driver stopped by earlier today for another seat fit.”
Whilst it’s not unusual for a reserve driver to undergo a seat fitting, it’s often something that takes place before the season has begun, whilst a second fitting in the same chassis isn’t so common and some would say unnecessary, unless a driver has drastically changed shape/weight.
Also, given it’s happening at a time when the 2018 ‘silly season’ is very much in full swing and Toro Rosso are hunting for a replacement to partner Brendon Hartley – or maybe even two drivers for an all-new line-up given Hartley’s underperformance – and with limited options available after Lando Norris, a prime target for Red Bull, was announced at McLaren, Buemi is certainly a contender for the vacant seat.
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Sebastien Buemi
Whilst it could well be an innocent photo, it adds to speculation as to just who might be announced at the Red Bull junior team, with only a handful of names being mentioned alongside Buemi’s, including Daniil Kvyat and the recently available Stoffel Vandoorne.
Buemi has now joined a list of ex-Toro Rosso drivers who are in the frame for a return. They include, Russian drive Daniil Kvyat and French driver Jean-Eric Vergne. Kvyat was racing for Red Bull before being dropped in favour of Max Verstappen. After leaving Toro Rosso, he became a Ferrari reserve driver. JEV too tread a similar path before he joined growing motor-racing series Formula E. It was there that he became the Season 4 world champion and the last champion in the Gen 1 era.
The Gen 2 cars have already begun to roll out with the season starting in December. Buemi too, is a Formula E champion and will be hoping to drive for Nissan, who have taken over from Renault.
Coming back to Toro Rosso, there are several candidates to fill 2 seats. Who will secure those seats, all bets are on.
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Toro Rosso Honda
