Alguersuari predicts ‘war’ with Buemi in 2011

Jaime Alguersuari has predicted “war” with his Toro Rosso teammate Sebastien Buemi this year.

“This year will be war between Buemi and me,” the Spanish driver said during an interview with Marca.

Team owner Red Bull’s driver manager Helmut Marko has appointed Australian Daniel Ricciardo to be Toro Rosso’s Friday runner this season, amid strong indications that he will make his race debut in 2012.

Alguersuari added: “I am surely competing with him (Buemi) this year to be the one who will go to Red Bull (in 2012), with Ricciardo to get one of our seats.”

The 20-year-old’s comments are at odds with those of Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, who said on Wednesday that it is possible Mark Webber will stay beyond his new one-year contract.

Sebastian Vettel, meanwhile, has been musing about a switch to Ferrari.

“I see myself at Red Bull,” Alguersuari continued.  “I want to win, not be finishing in 17th.  I want to be a second faster per lap and braking 20 metres later.”

As for his views on the 2011 season, he commented: “For me, the most complete driver is Fernando Alonso.  However, Red Bull are able to take advantage with their car.

“I think it will be a game between those two, Red Bull and Ferrari, from the beginning to the end,” added Alguersuari.

© RIF | GMM