Doornbos earns his Red Bull wings

ROBERT DOORNBOS has been confirmed as Red Bull’s test driver next season.

The Dutchman, who raced for Minardi last year, drove for Red Bull boss Christian Horner in Formula 3000 and will again link up with the Englishman.

He will act as Red Bull’s third driver on grand prix Fridays in 2006 and is keen to use the opportunity to secure his long-term future in Formula One.

“It is fantastic to be joining Red Bull Racing,” said the 24-year-old, who was Jordan test driver in 2004.

“Not only is it the team of the moment, but the way that it’s developing the technical side of things, and the motivation of the team, is very promising for the future.

“I’m aiming to learn as much as possible to get to the top of the sport and I think I’m in the right place to be able to do that.”

Doornbos will test a Red Bull for the first time today, alongside Christian Klien. That suggests the young Austrian is in pole position to partner David Coulthard at Red Bull Racing.

The soft drink giants have bought Minardi, renaming it Scuderia Toro Rosso, but have yet to confirm their drivers.

Scott Speed will join their ranks, as a likely race driver, alongside Vitantonio Liuzzi, while Neel Jani is expected to test.

Meanwhile Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone says the Wallonian regional government must ensure the Belgian Grand Prix goes ahead.

The future of the race, which takes place at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, has been thrown into doubt after the promoters filed for bankruptcy.

But a defiant Ecclestone said: “There is a contract between us and the Wallonian government. I can’t see why there should be a debate.

“We do not worry. When a contract is signed, it must be respected.”

The regional government met this month to discuss ways of plugging the funding gap for next year’s race.

It has already said that it cannot afford to lend the promoters another £10 million (14.5 million) to pay Ecclestone as it did in 2005.

Walloon economic minister Jean-Claude Marcourt will appeal directly to Ecclestone for assistance.

The race has been included on the provisional 2006 calendar and is due to take place on September 17.

Ecclestone controls the commercial rights to the sport through Formula One Management.

Spa-Francorchamps is one of F1’s most historic circuits and is a firm favourite of Michael Schumacher. The German won his first F1 race for Benetton at Spa in 1992.