Buemi must earn 2011 seat at Toro Rosso – Marko

Sebastien Buemi must up his game if he wants to secure his place in Red Bull’s formula one plans.

That was the warning issued in Canada by Dr Helmut Marko, the energy drinks company’s consultant and right-hand man of owner Dietrich Mateschitz.

Swiss youngster Buemi, 21, impressed the F1 world throughout his formula one debut with Red Bull’s junior team Toro Rosso in 2009.

He saw off the challenges of his teammates Sebastien Bourdais and Jaime Alguersuari, but in 2010 the Spanish rookie Alguersuari has shown much better alongside Buemi.

“I must admit that, this year, it has not gone as well as I would have liked (for Buemi),” Marko told the French language Swiss daily Le Matin.

“During the races, Sebastien has been really unlucky so we cannot draw any conclusion.  But in the sessions, he has not been as quick as last year in comparison with his teammate.

“It’s a little disappointing,” added Austrian Marko.

Buemi had been considered a shoo-in for a future role at Red Bull Racing, but the premier team has now locked in its 2011 lineup of Mark Webber alongside Sebastian Vettel.

Marko said of Buemi: “It’s time for him to prove his talent.  If he does, this will ensure his place next year at Toro Rosso.

“It’s a very good team for a young driver to learn the trade, especially since they had to produce their own car this season, giving more importance to the role of the driver.”

© RIF|GMM