Red Bull, Renault, eye team switch for Buemi

Sebastien Buemi has leapt into contention for a move to a better team in the future.

With the backing of owner Red Bull, the 21-year-old Swiss currently drives for Toro Rosso but is hoping to eventually graduate to the energy drink company’s main team.

The Swiss daily newspaper Le Matin said Buemi currently has no contract for 2011, but has attracted the attention of rival team chiefs with his driving at recent races.

Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s F1 consultant, said: “His Montreal race was perfect; exactly the kind of performance we expect from him.”

Red Bull Racing has already confirmed its driver lineup for next season, but relations between the team and Mark Webber are currently strained.

Marko said of Buemi’s current form: “If it continues, we might consider placing him in the Red Bull team in 2012.”

However, at Renault, a race seat might open up as soon as 2011, with the team openly considering the future of Russian pay-driver Vitaly Petrov.

When asked about Buemi, team boss Eric Boullier said: “Sebastien is on our list of potential drivers for 2011.

“He even has a special place on it (the list), because I know him well and like him very much on a personal level,” the Renault chief added.

© RIF | GMM