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Buemi named Red Bull reserve

ESPNF1 Staff
January 5, 2012 « FIA clarifies overtaking rule | McLaren development 'going well' - Paffett »
Sebastien Buemi continued to work for Red Bull while racing for Toro Rosso © Getty Images
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Sebastien Buemi has been named as the Red Bull test and reserve driver for the 2012 season.

Buemi appeared to be without a drive following his release from Toro Rosso as both he and Jaime Alguersuari were replaced by Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne. Having been part of Red Bull's young driver programme for seven years, however, Buemi will remain with the team and he said that it was the best opportunity he could hope for having lost his race seat.

"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."

Christian Horner said that it was the obvious move to retain Buemi's services in some capacity.

"It was entirely logical for Sébastien to continue with Red Bull having been a member of the Junior Team since 2004," 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."

Toro Rosso also confirmed that Buemi would be the reserve driver for his previous team, with a statement on the Toro Rosso website reading: "Although our sister team in Milton Keynes will be the Swiss driver's top priority, if for any reason, Scuderia Toro Rosso found itself short of a driver at a grand prix, then Sébastien would step into the cockpit for us."

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