Bortolotti will drive for Toro Rosso on the second day of the test running from December 1-3, with young New Zealander Brendon Hartley expected to be in the car on the other two days.

Toro Rosso have already confirmed Sebastien Buemi will stay with the team next year, while Jaime Alguersuari is also expected to be retained, but Bortolotti is nevertheless delighted to get the call to test.

“I’m very happy and very proud,” said Bortolotti. “My target is to get to Formula One in the next few years so to be selected for this test is very important for my career.

“Of course, if I can get to F1 even sooner then that will be great, but first I must focus on Jerez.

“There are not many chances for young drivers to test an F1 car due to the regulations so I’m very excited and thankful to Red Bull for giving me this opportunity.

“Every mile counts, particularly with the current testing situation, so I will prepare myself well over the next few weeks and be ready to help the team carry out their programme.”

December’s session will be Bortolotti’s second experience of a Formula One car after he impressed in a test for Ferrari at the end of 2008, which was part of his prize for winning the Italian F3 title.

The 19-year-old set an unofficial lap record around Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit in the F2008 car, beating previous efforts set by regular Scuderia drivers Kimi Raikkonen, Luca Badoer and Marc Gene.

Bortolotti was subsequently linked with the vacant berth at Ferrari earlier this season after Felipe Massa fractured his skull in an incident in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, but the Italian team instead drafted in Badoer and then Giancarlo Fisichella to deputise.