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Jaime Alguersuari confirmed at Toro Rosso

Jaime Alguersuari will remain at Toro Rosso in 2010 © Sutton Images

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• Drivers:
• Jaime Alguersuari
• |
• Sébastien Bourdais
• |
• Sébastien Buemi

• Teams:
• Toro Rosso

Jaime Alguersuari has been officially confirmed as a Toro Rosso driver for the 2010 season, after committing to a five-year contract.

Last July, Alguersuari, who turns 20 in March, became the youngest driver to enter a grand prix when he took over from Sebastien Bourdais in July. He will continue to partner Sebastien Buemi, who was announced as a driver in November, meaning the team will start the new season with an unchanged line-up.

"Considering that he made his debut only halfway through 2009, at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with no prior testing, he did a good job," said team principal Franz Tost. "He made steady progress throughout the second half of the year, with a mature approach considering he is still only 19-years-old.

"This season, he will again face a steep learning curve, as all the circuits in the first part of the season will be new to him. Jaime's appointment also confirms our team's commitment to bringing on graduates of the Red Bull Young Driver Programme."

His management said Toro Rosso is the "owner" of Alguersuari's contract for the next five years, suggesting a long-term commitment to the Spanish driver.

"They [Red Bull] have asked me to compete in the world championship in 2010 and it is the best news I have received in my life," Alguersuari said. "Now I have a few more kilometres in F1, the best Jaime will come this year."

The news puts an end to speculation about Bruno Senna joining the team if Campos doesn't make the grid. Alguersuari's appointment also means there are just four seats left open in 2010; two at US F1, one at Renault and one at Campos.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.