days after completing this session ricciardo was confirmed as toro rosso's test and reserve driver for the season, and would take part in the first free practice session of each race weekend. franz tost, toro rosso team principal stated that "having a hungry youngster on the books will keep our current driver pairing nice and sharp", referring to then toro rosso drivers jaime alguersuari and sébastien buemi. ricciardo would also make an appearance in pre-season testing for the 2011 formula one season, driving for scuderia toro rosso.