Bourdais says he proved a point at Spa

The Frenchman has struggled to get to grips with the handling characteristics of the STR3 since a new aerodynamic package was introduced at the French GP.

And with the team keen to see progress from Bourdais if he is to be retained, his strong showing throughout the Belgium weekend has come at the perfect time for him.

Bourdais qualified ahead of teammate Sebastian Vettel in ninth place - having posted the fastest time in Q1 - and went on to finish in seventh position.

But he is not taking anything for granted about his future chances, despite adding to his points tally and coming close to a surprise podium finish.

When asked by autosport.com if he felt the result had proved a point to Toro Rosso chiefs, Bourdais said: "That's not the kind of question I am having right now. I'm just doing the job the best I can and I've done so since the beginning of the season.

"I think what's important for me is that I proved my point was valid - when I can get comfortable in the car I can get the job done. But unfortunately with the STR3 it has been very difficult for me and it's just the way it is. It's the team's decision and I will respect whatever they decide to do."

Bourdais was running in third place in Spa on the final lap but slumped down the order in the wet conditions after getting caught out by the hard-charging Nick Heidfeld, to finish an eventual seventh.

"Heidfeld was on intermediates and obviously he was flying and picking us off one by one, like we didn't exist," explained Bourdais. "I didn't even know he was on inters. I just realised when it was too late and he was side-by-side with me going into Pouhon.

"After this, Sebastian (Vettel) and (Robert) Kubica reacted to this and, by the time I had recovered from Heidfeld passing me, they already had a good run on me.

"I blocked the inside going to the Esses but it was the kind of situation where you are side by side with your teammate and you are fighting both for fourth and fifth or fifth and sixth and you think twice about it, because if you are the one that screws up and takes your teammate with you, then for sure you're fired!"

Bourdais admitted the arrival of the weather was bad news for him because, as he fights for his future, he knew there was everything to lose.

"It was just basically exactly what I was anticipating because I could see the weather getting really dark and I knew it was the worst case scenario for me. Then it's how much risk you are willing to take. It's not that it didn't want to take them; it's just that I couldn't really afford to take them. After such a great race it really sucks to be in this position."