Sebastien Buemi won't completely disappear from the Formula One radar this season after being named Red Bull Racing's test and reserve driver for 2012.
The 23-year-old Swiss was left without a race seat for this campaign after Toro Rosso decided to drop him after three seasons. The Faenza-based squad replaced him as well as Jaime Alguersuari with inexperienced duo Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne.
Buemi, though, will remain in the Red Bull stable and will take up the reserve driver role, a position he held during 2008.
"It's good to remain with Red Bull for another year and have this opportunity with the World Championship winning team," he said.
"I would prefer to be driving at the races of course, but working with Red Bull Racing on the development of their car and providing them with feedback throughout the season is the next best thing."
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said: "It was entirely logical for Sebastien to continue with Red Bull having been a member of the Junior Team since 2004.
"He already knows the team well from his time with us in 2008 and has gained significant race experience over the past three years. He will complete important test and simulation work for us throughout the year and will be in attendance at each Grand Prix."
