Sato has 90 Grand Prix starts under his belt

Japan's Takuma Sato will test for Toro Rosso this month as he targets a return to Formula One next season.

Toro Rosso's Sebastian Vettel is moving to the main Red Bull team, and they could also replace Sebastien Bourdais.

Sato, 31, spent six seasons with Honda, BAR and Super Aguri, and Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost said: "He has proved worthy of a place in F1.

"He would be a good fit with the Red Bull spirit, while his experience would be undoubtedly valuable to our team."

Sato will test for the Ferrari-powered outfit at Jerez on 18 September, the day after Swiss driver Sebastien Buemi, 19.

Buemi , who is currently racing in the GP2 feeder series is Red Bull Racing's test and reserve driver.

Tost added: "The test will give us an opportunity to evaluate Buemi and Sato at the same time, as they are both possible candidates for a 2009 seat."

606: DEBATE Senna and Buemi have been the only half-decent drivers in GP2 this year GordonMurray

Gerhard Berger, co-owner along with the Red Bull energy drink billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz, said last week that he would ideally pair a young driver with an experienced one.

The Austrian has also warned Frenchman Bourdais, the four times Champ Car champion who made his F1 debut this year, that he still had to prove his worth.

Sato has been out of F1 since his Super Aguri team folded in May.

"It will be especially interesting working with a team that has made so much progress over the course of the year," he said.

Toro Rosso have also been linked to Brazilian Bruno Senna, whose late uncle Ayrton was a triple world champion and team-mate of Berger at McLaren.

He is currently second in the GP2 standings.