F1: Aussie Ricciardo To Drive Toro Rosso On Fridays

Daniel Ricciardo has been appointed Toro Rosso's reserve and 'Friday' driver for the 2011 season.

The 21-year-old will alternate between the cockpits of the Italian team's regular drivers Jaime Alguersuari and Sebastien Buemi in the initial practice session at Grands Prix next year.

"I have to say thanks to Red Bull for this great opportunity," the Australian said.

Ricciardo is now the leading driver of Red Bull's junior driver programme, and comfortably led the pace at the recent young driver test at the wheel of the title-winning RB6 in Abu Dhabi.

"I am sure that having a hungry youngster on the books will keep our current driver pairing nice and sharp," said Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost.

Ricciardo will also contest the Formula Renault 3.5 Championship in 2011.

"My ultimate aim is to be a full-time Formula One driver and this new role has to be the best step toward achieving that ambition," he said.