Toro Rosso have announced that up-and-coming Russian driver Daniil Kvyat will race for the team next season, replacing Daniel Ricciardo who moves to Red Bull. Kvyat, a product of the Red Bull Junior Driver Programme, will partner Jean-Eric Vergne at the Italian squad.

This year, the Rome-based 19-year old has been competing in GP3 and the European Formula Three championship and he tested for Toro Rosso at the Silverstone young driver session in July.

“This is fantastic news, a dream come true and I want to thank Red Bull and Toro Rosso for giving me this priceless opportunity,” said Kvyat. “Ever since I began karting, I wanted to get to Formula One and now that wish will become reality next season.

“I had a brief taste of working with the Toro Rosso team, when I drove for them at the Silverstone test and I enjoyed the experience very much. The fact I am based in Italy and speak Italian will, I am sure, help me to become part of the team very quickly.”

In 2012 Kvyat took the Formula Renault 2.0 Championship title with seven wins. This year he competed in six rounds of the FIA European Formula Three Championship, taking one win, five poles and five podiums. In addition, he is still in a position to win the GP3 title and is currently just seven points off the series lead.

“We are pleased to continue our policy of bringing on drivers from the Red Bull Junior Pr