Alguersuari ’very clear’ about plans for 2012

Jaime Alguersuari has hinted strongly that he knows he is being retained by the Toro Rosso team in 2012.

Earlier at Interlagos, the Spaniard said he would leave formula one if the team’s owner Red Bull decides to replace him, with the energy drink company’s newest rookies Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne waiting in the wings.

But after the 2011 season finale at Interlagos on Sunday, 21-year-old Alguersuari told Europa Press he is "very clear" what he will be doing next year.

"It’s been an incredible year and I am very clear where I will be in 2012," he is quoted as saying.

"Now that the season is finished, and for those who worry about my future, I will say that I am very clear about where I will be in 2012," Alguersuari repeated.

He said he had achieved his objectives for 2011; his second full season in F1.

"I asked for three things: to improve my final position in the standings, to score more points than in 2010, and to beat my teammate. I basically achieved them all."

Much more uncertain is the future of his teammate Sebastien Buemi, who Alguersuari described as "a formidable driver and an excellent person".