Jean-Eric Vergne dropped by Toro Rosso for 2015 season

Jean-Eric Vergne has been dropped by Red Bull junior team Toro Rosso for 2015, the Frenchman has announced.

Vergne, 24, had hoped to retain his place following the promotion of Daniil Kvyat to Red Bull to replace Ferrari-bound Sebastian Vettel.

But he said on Twitter:, external "Despite a good season and 22 points, I'll not drive any more for Toro Rosso in 2015."

Toro Rosso have not announced who will replace him as partner to 17-year-old Dutchman Max Verstappen.

The favourite is Spaniard Carlos Sainz, the son of the rally legend of the same name, who drove for Red Bull at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi over the last two days.

Red Bull said that the drivers in the running for the seat alongside Verstappen were Sainz, Vergne, Britain's GP3 champion Alex Lynn and Frenchman Pierre Gasly.

Vergne's future remains in doubt. There are no race seats open for him in Formula 1 but he may hold out hope for a role as reserve driver or be forced to look for a drive in another series.