The domestic media is excited about the imminent return to the formula one grid of a Swiss driver.

Red Bull magnate Dietrich Mateschitz told a British specialist website on Monday that Sebastien Buemi is "very likely" to make his formula one debut with the Toro Rosso team in 2009, with an announcement to be made before Christmas.

The news triggered headlines in the major Le Matin and Tribune de Geneve newspapers, as well as titles including the regional Journal du Jura and Le Nouvelliste.

20-year-old Buemi's uncle and manager Humbert said recently the youngster is close to securing the seat.

"We are hoping for an official announcement to be made soon," he revealed.

In September, Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost said Buemi would be hired for 2009 "as long as we manage to find a suitable experienced driver" to be his teammate.

Source: GMM