Buemi’s father insists new Webber deal ’no surprise’

Red Bull’s decision to re-sign Mark Webber for 2012 was not a surprise.

That is the claim of Antoine Buemi, the father of Toro Rosso driver Sebastien Buemi.

According to Swiss newspaper Blick, Buemi was disappointed to learn the news about Webber’s new deal at Spa-Francorchamps because he was hoping to be promoted to the premier Red Bull team next year.

The news leaves a dark cloud over Buemi’s career, with either he or Jaime Alguersuari expected to have to make room at Toro Rosso for Daniel Ricciardo.

On the Webber news, however, Antoine Buemi told the Swiss newspaper Le Nouvelliste: "We were not surprised."

"Mark Webber and Red Bull have grown together and the team is pretty thankful."

"The Australian is also the ideal teammate for the world champion (Sebastian Vettel). He is fast enough to allow the team to go for both titles while doing no harm to the lead driver."

"By having an ambitious young man, there could be too many quarrels between the two drivers," added Buemi Snr.

Antoine Buemi insisted that his son might be able to stay at Toro Rosso next year.

"There is nothing saying that one of the two has to leave, in fact both of them might be able to stay. The press tends to amplify the rumours," he said.

As for Buemi’s other options, "There are few teams that focus on drivers that are not directly or indirectly connected with money, which is a handicap for us," said his father.

"Having said that the pressure is easier today than at the beginning of the season. Sebastien has got used to it. He knows the rules of the game."