Bourdais to test with Toro Rosso next week!

Sebastien Bourdais took another step towards officialization with Toro Rosso as the Frenchman will participate in testing for the Italian team next week in Jerez.

Toro Rosso is the only team yet to confirm its full driver lineup for the 2009 season. Sebastien Buemi is so far the only driver guaranteed a race seat.

However, Bourdais is now in pole position for the second seat as he will be driving a STR3 2009 version next week in Spain.

Although there has not yet been an official confirmation, the four-time Champ Car champion is examining certain points to secure the seat.

Bourdais made his Formula 1 debut with Toro Rosso last season, but it was largely overshadowed by the performances of his teammate Sebastian Vettel in the second half of the season. The Frenchman had retorted that the car did not suit his driving style.

With Bourdais almost signed, the chances of Japanese driver Takuma Sato being in Formula 1 in 2009 are fading even further.

The former Super Aguri driver tested by Toro Rosso at the end of last year was one of the candidates for a seat with the small Scuderia.