Sebastien Bourdais could be in the frame to remain in formula one next year by switching teams.

The French radio station RMC reports that the 29-year-old rookie, who has had a difficult season in 2008 since moving from Champ Cars to Toro Rosso, is in with a chance of racing next year for Renault.

Given Bourdais' history with Renault, the union seems unlikely. A few years ago, bemoaning the French marque's reluctance to give him a chance in F1, Bourdais said "I know I don't belong there".

Renault's driver plans for 2009 are, however, in a state of flux. The Flavio Briatore-led squad is trying to convince Fernando Alonso to stay, while considering whether or not to keep the struggling Nelson Piquet as his teammate.

Brazil's Lucas di Grassi is a candidate, but so too is another Renault test driver and GP2 competitor, the Swiss-French 22-year-old Romain Grosjean.

Frenchman Denis Chevrier, Renault's F1 engine chief, told a Spanish newspaper that he hopes Alonso stays for 2009.

Referring to the former double world champion's Singapore win, he told Marca: "75 per cent of it was down to Fernando, who drove flawlessly, brilliantly.

"I really hope he stays because there are very few drivers like him. He is very important to us, especially for next year."

Source: GMM