Toro Rosso: 2009 Seat Contenders

With the 2008 season done and dusted, the annual Formula 1 silly is now in full swing.

The team with the most changes in a driver lineup point of view seems to be the Red Bull-backed Scuderia Toro Rosso. With Sebastien Vettel leaving for big sister Red Bull Racing, and Sebastien Bourdais's seat seaming to be at risk, here are the contenders for the 2009 Toro Rosso seats.

Sebastien Buemi

Another Sebastien in the Red Bull F1 family, Buemi is firm favorite to replace Sebastien Vettel. If anything his pace shown at recent trests at Jerez for both Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso have all but secured him his spot.

Sebastien Bourdais

After a tough season, three time Champcar champion Sebastien Bourdais finally came to grips with the car to the latter parts of the season. But it was too little to late.

It would be those drives in the latter half of the season though, that should have him secured for 2009, unless possibilities arise form the Honda F1 remains with rumors the PSA Peugeot Citroën may be buying out Honda and hiring compatriot Bourdais.

Takuma Sato

After the demise of Super Aguri, Japanese driver Takuma Sata was left licking his wounds searching for a drive elsewhere. This drive may come in the form of Toro Rosso.

Not only does Sato have experience, but he may bring major Japanese sponsors to the Italian squad. However speed may be a issue for the Japanese veteran of 93 Grand Prix, consistently beaten by the inexperienced Sebastien Buemi in postseason testing.

Jenson Button

After the demise of Honda, the forgotten Brit may be looking for a fresh start. After six season at Honda only accumulating one win, Button may be a dark horse in the race for the all important second Toro Rosso seat.

Though 2008 was a breakthrough season for the Italian team, 2008 may be the hardest season to replicate. The loss of Vettel won't help either, but the sheer pace of new comer Sebastien Buemi another Vettel may be on the way.

So watch out Mark Webber another young one is on your way.