> Toro Rosso signs Bourdais for 2008

Scuderia Toro Rosso has confirmed that it has signed three-time Champ Car champion Sebastien Bourdais for the 2008 season.

The 28-year-old Frenchman has been linked with a drive at the second-string Red Bull outfit for some time, having impressed the team on several test outings over the past year.

The announcement means that STR will have an all-new driver line-up next year, leaving Italian incumbent Vitantonio Liuzzi out in the cold.

Bourdais will partner Red Bull-backed German youngster Sebastian Vettel, who stepped into Scott Speed’s seat at the Hungarian Grand Prix after the American’s acrimonious split with the team and was immediately signed for 2008.

Bourdais has been looking to break into Formula 1 since winning the F3000 title in 2002.

An initial opportunity with Arrows fell through when the team folded, and a potential Renault drive slipped through his fingers because Bourdais could not agree terms with Flavio Briatore, who wanted a management deal to be tied into the contract.

Instead Bourdais moved to America in 2003 and built a stellar Champ Car career, which eventually reawakened the interest of the F1 world.

“It has been a long time coming, but here we are!” he said.

“I would like to thank everyone at Red Bull for believing in me and giving me this long-awaited opportunity to race in Formula 1.

“I must also thank Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing for letting me pursue my dream and allowing me to test for Scuderia Toro Rosso a few times this year.”

Bourdais will be free to join Toro Rosso after the final round of the Champ Car season on December 2.