Toro Rosso revolution: Ricciardo and Vergne on the grid in 2012

Formatted and completed text.Toro Rosso has made a surprising announcement informing that in the 2012 Formula season the Scuderia will count with Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne as its official drivers.

This announcement also means that they will be replacing Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari. According to the Italian team, the decision has been taken in conjunction with Red Bull.

"I am pleased that we have been able to reach an early decision on our drivers for next year, because it means we can all give our full attention to 2012, without any distractions," said team boss Franz Tost.

The team boss thinks that “both Daniel and Jean-Eric have proved their worth and I expect them to make a significant contribution to the team's performance next year.” To Ricciardo’s advantage is the fact that he has actually driven in Grands Prix last season, while Jean-Eric Vergne is the trust that he can easily adapt to the demands of driving a Formula 1 car.

Franz Tost also had a word for Alguersuari and Buemi, which he thanks for all the work made throughout three seasons they drove with Toro Rosso. He added that it was time to give the opportunity to new drivers.

"They have delivered some excellent performances which have helped the team move forward and develop. We wish them well for the future,” said Tost.

"However, one has to remember that when Scuderia Toro Rosso was established in 2005, it was done so with the intention of providing a first step into Formula 1 for the youngsters in the Red Bull Junior Driver programme,” added Toro Rosso’s boss.

After making his grand prix debut with the HRT team in 2011, Australian driver Ricciardo is very happy with the new deal, also fruit of some impressing performances alongside Tonio Liuzzi.

"This is a really big deal for me and something I have wanted ever since I was driving for Toro Rosso on Friday mornings at the races in the first part of last season," he said.

"To be honest, I am still jumping up and down with excitement at the news. In the second half of 2011 I learned a lot from the people I worked with, racing in eleven Grands Prix and I want to thank them for the opportunity they gave me,” Ricciardo added.

Alongside Virgin's Charles Pic and Lotus's Romain Grosjean, Vergne will become the third Frenchman rookie to race in the 2012 Formula 1 season. The French is very thankful for the opportunity we has been given.

"First of all, I must thank Red Bull for all their support so far and for believing I am ready to take on the ultimate challenge of racing in Formula 1," Vergne said.

"Christmas has come early for me this year! Having driven for them a few times this year and also testing for Red Bull Racing in Abu Dhabi, I definitely feel ready to make the move, even if I know there is a big difference between testing and actually racing,” he added.