JANUARY 5, 2012

Buemi is Red Bull reserve

After losing his F1 race seat with Toro Rosso, Sebastien Buemi is to be Red Bull Racing's test and reserve driver in 2012.

After losing his F1 race seat with Toro Rosso, Sebastien Buemi is to be Red Bull Racing's test and reserve driver in 2012.

The 23-year-old Swiss has three full F1 seasons with Toro Rosso under his belt but lost out when Red Bull's junior squad dropped both himself and Jaime Alguersuari in favour of Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne.

"It's good to remain with Red Bull for another year and have this opportunity with the championship-winning team," Buemi said. "I would prefer to be driving at the races of course, but working with Red Bull on the development of their car and providing them with feedback throughout the season is the next best thing."

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner added: "It was entirely logical for S©bastien to continue with Red Bull having been a member of the Junior Team since 2004. He will complete important test and simulation work for us throughout the year and will be in attendance at each grand prix."