Fresh doubts over Bourdais' future

The Frenchman has endured a disappointing campaign, having not made the step forward that the team had been hoping for from a second-year driver.

And unless there is a dramatic turnaround in his fortunes at the Nurburgring this weekend, it is understood that the team will move to replace him for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

It is believed that favourite to land the seat alongside Sebastien Buemi is newly promoted reserve driver Jaime Alguersuari - even though he has very limited Formula 1 experience.

Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost would not be drawn on the questions about Bourdais' future, or if Alguersuari was in contention to step up to a race seat.

"We do not comment on rumours that are started in the media," said Tost, in a comment that falls short of being a denial.

Although British Formula 3 champion Alguersuari does not have much F1 experience, the opportunity of stepping up to a race seat now would at least give him the chance to learn ahead of a full campaign in 2010. The in-season testing ban currently in place gives no other opportunity for young drivers to test, so the only way to get mileage is actually on grand prix weekends.

Bourdais himself has denied any knowledge of his drive being under threat, despite the speculation that emerged in the French press earlier this week.

"This rumour has been around since the middle of last season," Bourdais told AUTOSPORT. "What can I say? I haven't received any notice from the team that this is my last race so as far as I am concerned it is still a rumour.

"I've got a job to do and that's what I've got to concentrate on. I can't control what people say or where it is coming from. It's very unfortunate but there's nothing we can do about it. Someone puts it out and now it is all over the place."

Bourdais is not the only driver who could be replaced for Hungary, with sources suggesting that Renault will likely move to replace Nelson Piquet for the Budapest race as well.

The Brazilian has failed to score a single point so far this year and should he be dropped then favourite to stand in alongside Fernando Alonso is reserve driver and GP2 Series leader Romain Grosjean.