Nicolas Todt admits Frenchman in a “rather unpleasant period” as STR’s driver decision lingers.

If things at STR don't work out, Bourdais can always fall back on Peugeot's sports car program, and I'd also welcome his return to Indy cars if it happens. In fact, I'm going to start a rumor, because I'd rather do that than get ready for work this morning: if Penske decides he can't count on Helio to be 100% with his legal troubles in the background, he puts Bourdais in that seat, with Castroneves part-time in a third car.

If Sato gets the seat he had better bring boat loads of cash to replace the numerous cars he will destroy in his crashfest efforts in F1. Sato's future would be much brighter in CRASHCAR than in F1.

I don't see how Bourdais can loose his race seat when Piquet Jr. can keep his. Piquet Jr. was no where near as good as Bourdais this year yet Renault kept him on for 2009. This is truely an example of life not being fair.

Bourdais is a very talented driver , being replaced by Sato shows a true F1 fan it is really about the money

I always liked Berger as a driver. Hopefully he's smart enough to figure out that a multi-time champion from the next highest level of open wheel racing; also a guy who helped STR through a remarkable season of progress and development, is his best bet.

don't you just love a good manufactured rumor ?? is there any other kind ??

To put it simply, Bourdais is a good driver but in the case of driver vs. money, money always wins. I hate to say this, but cash is king.

You can't really compare the two drivers without considering who their team mates are.

While Piquit was not as good as Bourdais overall, the difference is that Renault has Alonso as senior who can be burdened with giving the BEST feedback of almost anyone on the circuit.

THAT gives the team leeway to help out Piquit who HAS shown he can keep up with his team mate at least more than half the time, with that in mind they can justify keeping him there for the NAME value alone.

Personally I don't like saying your career depend on your rookie season, if you pay someone because of the talent they did not suddenly lose it, they just need to get used to where they are who they are driving with and against

If there is no improvement in the second year THEN I have no problem (as long as it is obviously the driver) of letting them go.

I don't want Bourdais back in the States unless its with ALMS...