Toro Rosso promised stability for 2009

Mateschitz made it clear earlier this year that he wants to sell Toro Rosso in order to focus all efforts on Red Bull Racing.

Toro Rosso have been in talks with a number of possible investors, including British Formula Three race winners Ultimate.

Tost says, however, that, despite his intention to sell, Mateschitz has guaranteed the team's budget and structure will remain stable in 2009.

"The rumours regarding the sale of the team, when they grew stronger again earlier this season, did have an effect on us, but only for a short time," Tost said in mid-season review.

"If every week there is a story that the team will be sold it is not so funny for the employees.

"But the message we have from Dietrich Mateschitz is clear, that for 2009, everything will remain stable, not just in terms of employment but also in terms of the budget.

"Then, from 2010 we will see what happens. At the moment the team is stable. We are pushing hard, taking one step at a time and we have improved our performance."