Toro Rosso retain Alguersuari

Toro Rosso have confirmed teenager Jaime Alguersuari will continue as the team’s second driver for this season.

Alguersuari created Formula One history last year in becoming the youngest to compete in a grand prix when he made his debut for the team in Budapest.

Although Alguersuari failed to score a point in his eight races, with his highest finish 14th in Brazil, his qualifying performances steadily improved.

Whilst Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost had long been expected to announce Alguersuari as team-mate to Sebastien Buemi, the Spaniard has had to wait until today for official confirmation.

“Considering he only made his debut halfway through 2009 at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with no prior testing, he did a good job,” said 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.”

With the start of the season just seven weeks away there are now only four seats available, with one apiece at Renault and Campos, whilst US F1 has yet to announce either of their drivers.