Jaime Alguersuari has branded Formula One "an auction" after failing to secure a seat for the forthcoming season, although he is refusing to give up on a return to the sport
The 22-year-old, who was surprisingly dumped by Toro Rosso at the end of the 2011 campaign, spent last year as Pirelli’s tyre tester while also working as an expert summariser for BBC Radio 5 Live.
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Alguersuari claims promises made by a team for him to make a comeback this year eventually fell through, with the Spaniard believing F1 has become a sport where money is favoured over talent.
Jaime Alguersuari
With one seat available at Force India, with whom Alguersuari had been linked last year, he again faces another year on the sidelines.
“I never imagined after Red Bull’s incomprehensible decision not to count on me in 2012, I would have to fight so much outside the track before finally assuming in 2013 I will not be in F1,” he said.
“I assure everyone I have been convinced for most of the 2012 F1 season that my seat was secured in a team that usually scores. They did tell me and I believed it to be true. Due to this conviction I passed up other opportunities in other championships. Those who committed themselves with me have given me reasons I must accept but that I do not share. F1 has become an auction.”
It leaves Alguersuari now looking to 2014, although given Spain’s financial crisis he appreciates the difficulties faced in securing a sponsor.
Alguersuari added: “Although Spain’s economy is in the worst shape in our modern history, and except for Banco Santander no other company considers F1 as a profitable and sustainable business, I know how old I am, I know my track record and I’m convinced I deserve a winning car.”
“Is my career over in F1 at 22 years? Despite everything, I don’t think so. I will continue to be active in F1 (with Pirelli), and complete more kilometres than any third driver in this discipline.”u00a0
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