Speed to Land Red Bull F1 Test Deal

The GP2 front-runner had been linked with a possible switch to Williams next year following contractual issues with his deal as one of Red Bull's young drivers, but sources have revealed that the matters have now been resolved.

Although it is understood that a final contract has not been signed, it is believed that agreement has been reached for him to become an official Red Bull Racing test driver next year and the plan is for an announcement to be made in Italy.

A source close to Red Bull Racing told Autosport-Atlas: "There was a problem with his manager, but I think we sorted it out and there will be an announcement in Monza."

Speed himself confirmed earlier on Sunday that his plans would be announced then. "As far as my Formula One stuff goes, we'll be making an official press release in Monza, so you'll find out then," he said.

Red Bull Racing sporting director Christian Horner said at last weekend's Turkish Grand Prix that it was only logical for the team to prolong their partnership with Speed, who fulfilled third driver duties for the team at the Canadian and United States Grand Prix.

"Scott is a member of the Red Bull junior team at the moment and he has done a good job for us in Formula One, so it would be sensible for us to take our relationship forward with him," Horner told Autosport-Atlas when asked about the rumours linking him with Williams.

"Obviously we have discussed the question of drivers internally but it is all rumours and sometimes I am not sure where they all come from. He has done a solid job in GP2 this year, he has been outstanding, and Red Bull made a commitment to him through the young driver programme and it would be logical to continue that relationship.

"There are obviously various dates in various contracts. We are approaching a date where we need to make up our minds in what we do for the future but it doesn't just apply to him, it applies to all the drivers, including Vitantonio (Liuzzi) and Christian (Klien)."