What options? Pantano? Old and had his chance De La Rosa? Old and had his chance. Luizzi who shone so very brightly during his career? Sato? They clearly looked at a lot of people before confirming him so late in the day and found no better or viable options. I don't rate Bourdais but there's hardly a wealth of talent knocking on the door bar DiResta (who's a Merc boy) possibly Senna.