Official: Vergne and Ricciardo at Toro Rosso in 2012

And that’s three! In 2012, France will have no less than three drivers on the starting grid, after Jean-Eric Vergne was confirmed as a full-time driver at Toro Rosso… just like Daniel Ricciardo. The Frenchman and the Australian thus push Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari out, as Toro Rosso decided to renew its entire lineup for 2012 after months of suspense: « I am happy that we were able to make a decision so quickly regarding our drivers for next year because it means we can be fully focused on 2012, without any distractions » says Franz Tost.

These past few years, both Daniel and Jean-Eric have proven their worth, and I expect them to make a significant contribution to the team’s performance next year. Daniel has the advantage of having raced in Grand Prix this season, while Jean-Eric has shown that he can quickly adapt to the demands of driving a Formula One car. Since they have both worked with the team and our engineers recently, this should allow us to be operational from the start of winter testing in a few months.

Franz Tost insists on praising his two former drivers for their work, even though the Red Bull adventure seems to be ending for them: « I have to thank Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari for their hard work over the last three seasons. They delivered excellent performances that allowed the team to progress and develop. We wish them good luck for the future. »

For the first time since its acquisition, the Faenza team will line up a completely reformed duo at the start of the season, Franz Tost reminds that Toro Rosso’s choice is part of a historical continuity, with the Italian team serving as a nursery for Red Bull: Everyone must remember that when Scuderia Toro Rosso was founded in 2005, it was to allow young talents from the Red Bull pipeline to gain experience. Therefore, it’s in the team’s culture to change the lineup from time to time to achieve this objective.

Daniel Ricciardo, 22, is thus returning home after spending the second half of the 2011 season at HRT: « It’s really something huge for me, something I’ve wanted since I first drove in the Friday practice sessions at the start of last season. To be honest, I’m still jumping for joy after this news. [At HRT], I learned a lot from the people I worked with, competing in eleven Grand Prix, and I want to thank them for the opportunity they gave me. I must say that joining Toro Rosso has always been my true goal, so a big thanks to Red Bull for giving me this fantastic opportunity, now I can’t wait for testing to resume. »

For his part, Jean-Eric Vergne, 21, will be the third French representative in Formula One in 2012, an honor that France had not experienced since the Brazilian Grand Prix in 1999: « First of all, I must thank Red Bull for all their support so far and for believing that I am ready to take on the ultimate challenge of racing in Formula One. Santa Claus came a little earlier for me this year! Having driven with Toro Rosso a few times this year and having tested with Red Bull in Abu Dhabi, I definitely feel ready to make the leap, even though I know there’s a huge difference between testing and competition. I’ve enjoyed working with the Toro Rosso guys this year and I’m looking forward to joining the team for real. Getting to the starting grid in Melbourne next March can’t come soon enough. »

For French Formula One enthusiasts, the wait might also seem long.