Two drivers ruled out of Toro Rosso move

Two drivers linked with Toro Rosso drives in 2019 were effectively ruled out of a move on Wednesday as they were confirmed as team-mates in Formula E. Sebastien Buemi and Alexander Albon will make up Nissan's line-up in the Japanese brand's debut campaign in the all-electric series.

Eyebrows were raised after the Italian Grand Prix when Toro Rosso tweeted an image of Buemi taking a seat fitting, with the Swiss' presence at the Singapore GP also sparking a few whispers.

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Ciao Seb! ????
Our reserve driver stopped by earlier today for another seat fit ???? pic.twitter.com/aSkTpZDYHy — Toro Rosso (@ToroRosso) September 5, 2018

Buemi raced 55 grands prix for Toro Rosso between 2009-2011, winning 29 points with a best finish of seventh – secured on his debut in Australian and matched in Brazil later that year.

Since leaving F1, Buemi has won titles in the World Endurance Championship (2014) and Formula E (2015-16) with Toyota and Renault e.dams respectively.

#BREAKING: @nismo announce @sebastien_buemi and @alex_albon will drive for the team in the 2018/19 ABB FIA Formula E Championship! #ABBFormulaE pic.twitter.com/Fni6NqBZvv — ABB Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) September 20, 2018

He will race alongside Albon next year, the British-Thai driver who was signed to Red bull's junior driver program in 2012.

Albon remains in contention for the Formula 2 title this year, sat third in the standings behind McLaren-bound Lando Norris and Mercedes junior George Russell – linked with a drive at Williams next year.

The 22-year-old teamed with Charles Leclerc during the 2016 GP3 series, finishing second in the standings behind the Monegasque driver, who will swap Sauber for Ferrari in 2019.

Toro Rosso are expected to confirm a line-up of Daniil Kvyat and Pascal Wehrlein for the 2019 season, with Pierre Gasly promoted to Red Bull and Brendon Hartley struggling to convince the team of his long-term prospects.