Buemi 'confident' of Toro Rosso drive

The Swiss driver topped the times for the Italian outfit at last week's test at Jerez in Spain and has continued to shine driving for sister-team Red Bull Racing this week.

Although there has been no confirmation yet on whether Buemi has been given the nod to replace Sebastian Vettel, the GP2 front runner is bullish about his prospects of getting the deal.

"For sure I hope the decision will be made soon," Buemi said in an interview with the official Formula One website. "It would be good to know before Christmas, but I am not in a hurry. I feel very confident based on my test results, so I'll await the team's decision."

Buemi said his optimism about landing the race seat had been lifted by his strong run at Jerez in Spain, where he outpaced more experienced teammates Takuma Sato and Sebastien Bourdais.

"For sure, it was not a bad test," he said. "It was really good for me to be at the top of the list, especially in front of my teammates or, to be precise, in front of the two other contenders for a cockpit.

"So I was very satisfied and hopefully they'll make a positive decision for me in the near future. I am quite confident at the moment as I did all I could. All I can do now is wait. But as long as there isn't a decision, I don't want to think about it too much."

Buemi also believes that his bonus mileage in the Red Bull car this week, which comes as a result of Mark Webber's absence through injury, will be important in helping him get up to speed.

"The days when you are able to drive an F1 car really matter," he explained. "I was only supposed to drive for one day, but now I am in for another two days because of Mark's accident. And that means I am gaining two more days in the cockpit and that is important.

"Especially because I will be driving alongside Sebastian Vettel on day two and three of this test, and that promises to be a good lesson for me. I am convinced that it will make me better. At the moment I feel that I am improving day by day, getting used to the car, getting used to the tyres - and getting used to Formula One. I am really thankful to Red Bull for giving me that opportunity and I'll do my best not to disappoint them."