Toro Rosso say Bourdais must prove his talent

Ferrari-powered Toro Rosso have told Frenchman Sebastien Bourdais he cannot take his place at the Formula One team for granted beyond the end of the season.

Bourdais, France's only current grand prix driver, joined the Red Bull-backed team this year after winning four ChampCar titles in a row.

However he has been overshadowed by team-mate Sebastian Vettel, who is leaving at the end of the year for the main Red Bull team. The 21-year-old has scored nine points from 12 races to two for Bourdais.

"In Formula One you have to give someone half a year of time before you start to judge him," team co-owner Gerhard Berger said.

"The half year is over and he (Bourdais) is now in a situation where he has to prove his talents.

"I would not say I have a clear opinion on him but I also have to say Vettel started a couple of races before and he performed very well in the first half year," added the Austrian.