Doornbos set for Red Bull role

Sources have told autosport.com that the Dutchman, who has close links with Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner after driving for his Arden team in Formula 3000 in 2004, is set to land the position to work alongside David Coulthard and Christian Klien.

Although a final contract has not been signed, it is understood that the team are now in the final stages of sorting out the details and it should be agreed by this afternoon - when an announcement could be made.

That means Doornbos will be able to fly to Barcelona in Spain to join Red Bull Racing's first day of winter testing tomorrow - driving alongside Klien.

The appointment of Doornbos at Red Bull Racing means that GP2 front-runner Neel Jani, who had been expected to take the third driver role, may now be moved across to fulfil that position for the new Scuderia Toro Rosso outfit.