Scuderia Toro Rosso announced on Friday that the services of Jaime Alguersuari will be retained for the 2010 F1 season. The signing reduces the number of remaining seats on the grid to just four.

The confirmation came via the team's official website, ending months of speculation about this year's line-up.

Speaking of the signing, Team Principal Franz Tost emphasised the importance of the Red Bull Young Driver Programme on Jaime's career:

Considering that he made his debut only halfway through 2009, at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with no prior testing, he did a good job, making steady progress throughout the second half of the year, with a mature approach considering he is still only 19 years old.

This season, he will again face a steep learning curve, as all the circuits in the first part of the season will be new to him. Jaime's appointment also confirms our commitment to bringing on graduates of the Red Bull Junior Team young driver programme.

There was no word from the Alguersuari himself, but he starts the 2010 season as he finished 2009, again partnering Sébastien Buemi for the Italian team.