Jaime Alguersuari has admitted that he was heavily surprised by Scuderia Toro Rosso's decision to change both of its drivers for the 2012 season, with Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Éric Vergne being announced at the squad earlier this afternoon.
The 21-year-old Spaniard says he talked with Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko and Toro Rosso Team Principal Franz Tost last week about his future Formula 1 plans, prompting him to believe that he would remain onboard for the 2012 campaign.
"A week ago I talked with Helmut Marko and Franz Tost and they told me that they had plans for me with a view to 2012," Alguersuari explained on Wednesday. "They did it with enthusiasm and showed me much confidence, they also asked me to be in Madrid on Monday, for a day with (sponsor) CEPSA where I talked about our F1 project in 2012.
"I thought that they were crazy making me debut in 2009 at 19 years and three months, without ever having completed a mile in F1 before. Today's news seemed like the greatest misunderstanding during the best moment of my sporting life."
Despite the news, Alguersuari refused to criticise Red Bull for its most recent decision, with the drinks company playing a pivotal role in his route to the sport.
"Red Bull gave me everything since I was 15," he added. "I've trained with them and I'm a complete driver in F1 now. I'm not a victim, because for seven years I have enjoyed the privilege of being in the best team in the world with the best resources.
"I do not consider what happened is a tragedy, because I have many plans for the present and future: both professionally and sporting. The surprise lasted for a couple of hours, I just needed to talk to my family. I was watching the street in Madrid and I realized that life is full of opportunities and challenges.
"When I came to Barcelona on the AVE (train) and read the newspapers, they pointed out that there are five million unemployed in Spain. We can only return to this country with confidence and optimism, thinking of fighting and improving every day. And that's what I will do from tomorrow, I promise to all the fans and I appreciate their support."
Series
Formula 1
Personalities
Jaime Alguersuari
Teams
Scuderia Toro Rosso
Other
DTM Tickets (best price guarantee!) at Sportstadium.com
| Jaime Alguersuari | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| More Jaime Alguersuari photos | |||
English
Nederlands
Español
Italiano
