F1: Alguersuari Frustrated By ‘Auction’

Formula 1

F1: Alguersuari Frustrated By ‘Auction’

Jaime Alguersuari had hoped to return to the F1 grid in 2013...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted February 16, 2013 Balen (BEL)

Jaime Alguersuari formerly drove for Toro Rosso. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Jaime Alguersuari has expressed frustration at not being able to find a F1 seat for 2013, despite apparently being close to a deal some months ago.

Alguersuari took the unusual step Saturday of issuing a press statement to clarify his position, claiming that he had a firm commitment from a team, but lost out for commercial reasons.

“I never imagined that, after Red Bull’s incomprehensible decision not to count on me in 2012,” said the Spaniard, “having done my best sporting season in F1, I would have to fight so much outside the track to finally assume that in 2013 I will not be in F1.

“I assure everyone that I have been convinced most of the 2012 F1 season that my seat was secured in a team that usually scores. So they did tell me, and I believed it to be true.

“Due to this conviction, I passed up other opportunities in other championships. I've looked in faith and longing that the value of my sporting career, and the verbal commitments received, would materialize with my return to F1 in 2013. This has not happened.

“Those who committed themselves with me have given me reasons that I must accept, but that I do not share. F1 has become an auction.

“My sole dream is to drive for a team that allows me to finish in the top five. I will play all my cards the best I can and keep betting for talent, experience and background. No need so say much more.”

Alguersuari says he’s not giving up, and will continue to log F1 mileage with Pirelli.

“Is my career over in F1 at 22 years old? Despite everything, I strongly don’t think so. By waiting for F1, I lost other interesting options, but instead I must thank Paul Hembery from Pirelli Motorsport, for his unalterable confidence placed in me, by announcing that he counts on me for the development test.

“So I will continue active in Formula One, and completing more kilometers than any third driver in this discipline.

“Although Spain's economy is in the worst shape in our modern history, and except for the Bank of Santander, no other company considers Formula One as a profitable and sustainable business, I know how old I am, I know my track record and I’m convinced that I deserve a winning car in F1. And I will keep fighting for it.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 28th season as a racing journalist in 2012. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.