• Lifeline for Buemi after being discarded by Toro Rosso
• Swiss driver appointed test and reserve driver at Red Bull
Red Bull Racing have thrown a Formula One lifeline to Switzerland’s Sébastien Buemi by appointing him as their test and reserve driver after he was discarded as a race driver by their sister team Toro Rosso.
The 23-year-old will attend grands prix as back-up for the double world champion Sebastian Vettel and the Australian Mark Webber and will also be available to Toro Rosso should they need a stand-in.
“It’s good to remain with Red Bull for another year and have this opportunity with the World Championship winning team,” Buemi said.
“I would prefer to be driving at the races, of course, but working with Red Bull Racing on the development of their car and providing them with feedback throughout the season is the next best thing.”
Buemi has been backed by Red Bull since 2004 and made his race debut in 2009 with the Italian-based Toro Rosso, who will have an all-new line-up next year.
The Red Bull team boss, Christian Horner, said: “He already knows the team well from his time with us in 2008 and has gained significant race experience over the past three years..
“He will complete important test and simulation work for us throughout the year and will be in attendance at each grand prix.”
Leave a Reply