F1: Torro Rosso released Sebastien Bourdais

[Thunder22]

In what comes as a surprise to no one, Sebastien Bourdais was released from Toro Roso.

Toro Rosso and Bourdais part company

After weeks of speculation, Toro Rosso have confirmed that Sebastien Bourdais has left the team with immediate effect. Although third driver Jaime Alguersuari has been widely tipped for the seat, the Italian team will not announce Bourdais' replacement until next week in the build-up to the Hungarian Grand Prix.

In light of the announcement Toro Rosso team principal, Franz Tost said: “In Sebastien’s second year with us, the partnership has not met our expectations and therefore we have decided to replace him as from the next round of the world championship, the Hungarian Grand Prix.”

Bourdais joined Toro Roos in 2008, fresh from clinching a historic fourth Champ Car title. But the Frenchman found his maiden Formula One season tough, as he struggled to match the STR3 to his driving style and he was overshadowed by team mate Sebastian Vettel.

He ultimately clinched four points and was retained to partner Sebastien Buemi for 2009. However, this season he has struggled again, failing to qualify higher than 14th and scoring just two points from his eighth-place finishes at the Australian and Monaco Grands Prix.