Doornbos confirmed at Red Bull

The Dutchman, who raced for Minardi last season after having driven for the Jordan team, will act as Red Bull's third and reserve driver.

"Having served his apprenticeship in Formula One this year, Robert will perform an important role for Red Bull Racing as its third driver," said Red Bull's Sporting Director Christian Horner.

"Robert demonstrated natural speed and a very real hunger to win when I worked with him in 2004 and I'm very happy to renew our working relationship. This is an excellent opportunity for him."

Doornbos added: "It's fantastic to be joining Red Bull Racing. Not only is it the team of the moment, but the way that it's developing the technical side of things, and the motivation of the team, is very promising for the future.

"I'm aiming to learn as much as possible to get to the top of the sport and I think I'm in the right place to be able to do that."

Doornbos is already working with Red Bull, kicking off the team's winter testing programme today at Barcelona.

Red Bull also confirmed American Scott Speed will join the Toro Rosso team, although his role will be announced in the near future.