JUNE 13, 2013

Buemi likely to stay Red Bull reserve in 2014

Sebastien Buemi has hinted he is currently content with life as Red Bull's official F1 reserve driver.

Sebastien Buemi has hinted he is currently content with life as Red Bull's official F1 reserve driver.

The Swiss was dropped by Red Bull's second team, Toro Rosso, at the end of 2011, but he kept his career alive with the reserve job as well as a Le Mans race seat with Toyota.

Asked by 20min.ch if he is eager to return to F1, the 24-year-old answered: "Clearly -- 100 per cent.

"But the goal is also to race, so it's a very good compromise with Toyota at Le Mans: I can race and stay (in F1) with Red Bull."

Asked about his chances of returning to F1, Buemi continued: "Actually very good.

"As Red Bull's third driver I'm interesting to the smaller teams. But that would have to make sense.

"I'd prefer to stay here rather than finish 18th," he insisted.

Buemi therefore revealed that staying as Red Bull's F1 reserve beyond his 2013 contract is likely.

"It looks good that it (the contract) will be extended," he said.

"I've been in the car for about seven days (so far) this year, which is not much. I hope next year it'll be more."

(GMM)