Early in 2007 Sebastien Bourdais had all but given up on his Formula One aspirations. Having won the French F3 title in 1998 the Frenchman spent three years in the F3000 championship, culminating in championship success in 2001. Formula One was next logical step.

Bourdais tested with both Arrows and Renault in 2002, but was unable to conclude a race deal amongst rumours that he and Renault boss Flavio Briatore did not see eye to eye. With limited options in Europe, Bourdais looked to the US Racing scene was soon to embark on an incredible career in the Champ Car World Series.

With Cristiano da Matta moving to Toyota and Formula One, the Newman/Haas team tested and then snapped up Bourdais for the 2003 season. Bourdais' first win came at Brands Hatch in 2003 and he would go on to record another 30 wins and four straight championships between 2004 and 2007.

Despite his impressive track record, Bourdais was not making much progress in his hopes racing in Formula One. With Nicolas Todt taking over managerial duties in 2007, a possibility of testing with Toro Rosso emerged and this was all it took for Bourdais to finally get a foot in the door.

Bourdais faces a tough challenge in 2008 as he teams up with rising star Sebastian Vettel at Toro Rosso Ferrari. Bourdais has proven many times in his career however that he is up for any challenge.