Franz Tost: No decision on Toro Rosso’s 2012 drivers but no place for Ricciardo – Formula 1 news
Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost has said that the decision on the team’s 2012 Formula 1 drivers will be taken by Red Bull.
Tost added that although Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari are doing a good job in the 2011 season, still the final decision on the 2012 drivers will be taken at the end of the ongoing season.
Tost further added that the test driver Daniel Ricciardo has done well in the Friday practice sessions but his inclusion in Toro Rosso is not possible as both Jaime and Buemi are doing a good job for now.
He said that Ricciardo is driving for Hispania Racing Team and is learning more than just Friday practice sessions as a race drive is more knowledgeable than a practice session drive.
Talking about Ricciardo, Tost stated, “At the start of the season, Ricciardo was out for us on Friday mornings for 90 minutes to learn the different racetracks, how the team works, how to give technical feedback, how to work with the engineers. Now he's
been offered the chance to race, and I can see only advantages in this.”
Tost further added that the 2012 drivers’ line up will be selected by Red Bull.
“What our driver pairing will be in 2012, I don't know yet. This will be decided by Red Bull at the end of the season,” commented Tost.
Toro Rosso stated in the opening rounds of the 2011 season that if Buemi or Jaime falters to perform in the season they will be replaced by Ricciardo. However, the duo has performed well since and Ricciardo had to move to another team to drive a Formula
1 car.
Toro Rosso are evenly placed in the midfield of the 2011 season with 17 points on board. The speculations were that one of the two drivers might get their hands on a Red Bull car if Mark Webber leaves the Red Bull team for the 2012 season.
For now, the 2011 season continues in Germany and both Jaime and Buemi will get enough chances to prove themselves in the team.
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