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Toro Rosso confirms unchanged line-up

Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne will team up again in 2013 © Getty Images

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Toro Rosso has ended recent speculation by confirming Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne will continue to drive for the team in 2013.

"Both drivers have done a good job this season," said team boss Franz Tost. "Daniel joined us with a few grands prix under his belt and so his feedback and experience was particularly useful while Jean-Eric got up to speed, often having to deal with tracks he had never seen before.

"Since the summer break, both drivers have scored more points and everyone in the team has been impressed with their maturity in terms of working with the engineers and their racecraft on track. We will be doing our best in the next few months, to produce a 2013 car which will allow them to demonstrate their talent."

Still up in the air?

• Caterham : Neither driver confirmed
  Force India: Paul di Resta expected but not confirmed, second driver open
  HRT: De la Rosa contracted, second driver open
  Lotus: Second driver expected to be Grosjean but not confirmed
  Marussia: Glock contracted, second driver open
  Sauber: Second driver open
  Williams: Maldonado expected but not confirmed, second driver open

Ricciardo, who told ESPN at the weekend he was not concerned at the lack of any announcement, said he was "really pumped" to continue with the team. "There are big expectations for next year and I'm ready and willing to fulfil them. I feel I have been growing and developing as a driver and my approach to the technical side of the sport has also progressed this year, so I am sure that will serve me well in my second season with Toro Rosso.

"We have had quite a tough season, but despite that, I have always enjoyed a good relationship with all the guys and I am delighted at the idea of working with them for another year."

Vergne was also pleased. "It's been a difficult season and, as a rookie, I have learned a lot, thanks to the support I got and the excellent relationship I have enjoyed with all the guys. I feel much stronger now and I know I have become a better driver over the course of the season. I really believe in this team and with all the experience I have gained, combined with the team's ambitious plans for next year, I think we can look forward to great things in 2013, attacking all the way."

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