Confirmed: Jean-Eric Vergne ousted by Toro Rosso

[Tazio]

I'm one of those guys who thinks that Alonso is the most rounded driver around and albeit by a small margin the best there is. I'm afraid this isn't about his abilities which in my clearly biased mind not in question but about the market place.

Anything is only worth what people are prepared to pay for it, its basic market dynamics. If there is only one seat available thats worth having then the team that has it has the whiphand in negotiations, not the driver. Do you really think Alonso can turn to McLaren and say $40 million or nothing when if McLaren decline him he really does end up with nothing?

Apparently that is what just happened mate.
Not only that, but according to one source Fred has a get out clause, predicated on whether another team will offer him even more frogskins.

But the salary of roughly €35 million that the Spanish driver will take home will no doubt help heal the wounds. The deal, the biggest ever signed in the history of the sport, is based on 2015 and 2016, with an optional third season. The contract does, however, contain get-out clauses, so that Alonso can leave the team should he receive a more attractive offer.
http://elpais.com/elpais/2014/12/11/...04_379086.html

Although this $ amount seems obscene even to me, at least it is good to know that talent is still the most valuable commodity when it comes to choice of pilots in F1 as long as you have the budget.