LEAD: Toro Rosso to have all-new driver line-up

Dec 14, 2011, 20:01 GMT

London - Formula 1 team Toro Rosso said on Wednesday that they would have an all-new driver line-up in the new season.

The team announced in a statement that Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne would be taking the place of Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari next year.

Both drivers have come through the Red Bull Junior Driver programme and the decision to promote the two drivers to Toro Rosso was taken by the team in conjunction with Red Bull, the team said.

Team principal Franz Tost said that he was pleased that they had been able to reach an early decision on their drivers for next year. 'It means we can all give our full attention to 2012, without any distractions.

'I expect them to make a significant contribution to the team's performance next year,' he said.

The 22-year-old Australian Ricciardo has already driven Formula 1, having been given a seat by Hispania Racing midway through the 2011 season.

'This is a really big deal for me and something I have wanted ever since I was driving for Toro Rosso on Friday mornings at the races in the first part of last season.

'To be honest, I am still jumping up and down with excitement at the news.

'In the second half of 2011 I learned a lot from the people I worked with, racing in eleven Grands Prix and I want to thank them for the opportunity they gave me,' he said.

Vergne, 21, drove in free practice sessions at three of the last four Grands Prix of the 2011 season. 'Christmas has come early for me this year!

'Having driven for them a few times this year and also testing for Red Bull Racing in Abu Dhabi, I definitely feel ready to make the move, even if I know there is a big difference between testing and actually racing,' the Frenchman said.

Toro Rosso had a disappointing 2011 season, finishing eighth in the constructors' standings, while Alguesari finished 14th and Buemi 15th. The best finish for Alguersuari was seventh.

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