Sebastian Buemi handed Red Bull reserve spot

Formula One world champions Red Bull have handed former Toro Rosso driver Sebastian Buemi the team's reserve spot.

Buemi, 23, has been dropped from Red Bull's feeder team for the forthcoming season but will now provide back-up for Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.

"It's good to remain with Red Bull for another year and have this opportunity with the World Championship winning team," the Swiss driver said in a statement.

"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."

Toro Rosso announced that they had replaced Buemi and teammate Jaime Alguersuari at the end of last year. The pair have been replaced by Australian Daniel Ricciardo and Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne for the 2012 campaign.