Bourdais will be outclassed in qualifying

Gerhard Berger

(GMM) Toro Rosso co-owner Gerhard Berger has revealed that Sebastian Vettel is likely to outclass his teammate and formula one newcomer Sebastien Bourdais in qualifying for the first race of the 2008 season next weekend.

Bourdais, the reigning multiple Champ Car series champion, admitted recently that he has not yet come fully to terms with a grand prix single seater, and his Toro Rosso STR2-B, on low fuel and new tires.

"In testing, Vettel was faster than our new driver, Bourdais," former grand prix winner Berger confirmed to the Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell.

The Austrian legend explained that the switch from Champ Car and slick tires to F1's grooves is making it initially difficult for Frenchman Bourdais, who is 29, to "get the maximum" out of the package.

Berger added: "The good news is that on the long runs in testing, both of them were equal. But in qualifying, Bourdais still needs to improve.

"With Vettel he has an absolute top-man at his side, who has the complete package — the speed as well as the quality of his feedback and the ability to motivate the team," he said.