Youngster Buemi lands F1 drive
Sebastien Buemi is poised to become the youngest driver on the Formula One grid this season following his appointment today by Toro Rosso.
Although only sixth in last season’s GP2 series, the 20-year-old impressed during a number of tests for Toro Rosso at the end of last year.
As a member of Red Bull’s Junior Driver Programme since 2005, it was only a matter of time before the Swiss stepped up into F1.
“Being a Formula One driver has always been my target since I first started racing,” remarked Buemi.
“This year, I will do all I can to bring home the best possible results, and to show Red Bull the confidence they have shown in me is justified.”
Team principal Franz Tost feels Buemi displayed enough in the tests to prove he will make the grade.
“Our engineers have been impressed with his speed in the car and his ability to learn and progress during the testing he carried out for us last year,” said Tost.
“That, along with some impressive performances in GP2 was enough to convince us to give him the drive.
“His appointment also fulfils the aims of the Red Bull Junior Driver programme and meets (owner) Dietrich Mateschitz’s intention to use Scuderia Toro Rosso as a showcase for young drivers the company has supported in the lower formulae.”
Buemi’s first official outing as a Toro Rosso driver will be in the test at the Portimao Circuit in Portugal later this month.
Toro Rosso are still running the rule over a number of possible team-mates, including Takuma Sato, or could retain Sebastien Bourdais.
