“That certainly doesn't go against me,” he admitted of Vettel's astounding success in 2008. “I'm trying to do a good job and now I hope I can reproduce what he did this season. It would be difficult, of course – he had an amazing season and it will be up to me to do everything I can to fill his shoes.

“Should the decision be made in my favour, I would move to Italy to be as close as possible to the team – and work with them as hard as I can. I also [want to] try to learn as much as possible from [Vettel], as we are all part of the Red Bull family.”

Joking that it is 'just a unique coincidence' that he, Bourdais and Vettel all share the same Christian name, Buemi admitted that he does not know when a decision will be made regarding STR's 2009 line-up – but, unlike his fellow two contenders for the drive, he does at least have a contingency plan in place should the verdict not go his way.

His uncle Humbert, also a member of his management team, has long contended that the man from Aigle is as good as a shoe-in at the team next year – something Buemi has persistently denied.

“I don't know how long it will take,” he confessed. “It's a difficult situation but I'm trying to only really think about this test and not about what might happen, as in the end it is just a matter of doing a good job.

“There hasn't been a Swiss driver in Formula 1 for so long that it would be fantastic, but honestly, there is no extra motivation necessary, as I am 120 per cent focused on landing an F1 seat!

“If I have to do another season in GP2 then I will do it – if that is what it takes to be in Formula 1. I will do everything that I can do.”