Daniel Ricciardo to drive for Toro Rosso in 2011?

There is a rumour developing that says Daniel Ricciardo could make his Formula One debut in 2011 with Toro Rosso. The Red Bull junior team has already confirmed Jaime Algesuari and Sebastien Buemi as its driver lineup for next year. However the door was opened for Ricciardo when team boss, Franz Tost, said, “You never know what will happen in F1.” It’s understood Buemi is the driver who would make way for the young Aussie.

Tost’s comments follow those of Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull motorsport advisor, who said, “We pushed Bernoldi, Klien, Liuzzi and Speed without a breakthrough. Daniel Ricciardo is the next top talent. A new Vettel? I don’t know.”

Ricciardo is the official reserve driver for both Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso. He has twice tested for Red Bull, at the end of the 2009 season and again earlier this month. Both times the 2009 British F3 champ has impressed by putting his name at the top of the time sheets.

In Abu Dhabi Ricciardo was asked for his thoughts on making his F1 debut following his recent test program, the 21-year-old said, “I think I’m probably as ready as I can be.”

It would be great to see the young West Australian join Mark Webber in Formula One next year, so we hope this emerging rumour is on the money.

[Source: Eurosport | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]