Toro Rosso have confirmed Carlos Sainz as the team's second driver for the 2015 season.

The 20-year-old was expected to partner up with Max Verstappen for the new campaign after Jean-Eric Vergne was dropped by the team earlier this week.

"I am really happy to have landed the drive with Scuderia Toro Rosso," said Sainz in a statement. "Ever since I have been part of Red Bull's Young Driver Programme, this has been my aim and I want to thank Red Bull for putting their faith in me.

"I have had a very successful season in World Series by Renault this year and now I am looking forward to taking the step up to Formula 1. I tested for a day with Toro Rosso last year and I liked the atmosphere in the team.

"In the next few months I will be working hard on my preparation, ready to get in the cockpit in Jerez for the first test of next year. It will be nice to make my official debut as a Formula 1 driver in my home country."

Last season's driver Daniil Kyvat has left the team to join Red Bull.