Sebastian Vettel’s departure to Red Bull at the end of the season has left STR with a vacant seat for next year.
Sato has been in the F1 wilderness since Super Aguri folded earlier this year, and he will get an opportunity to prove his worth in testing.
Buemi is a GP2 race winner and also a Red Bull junior driver.
He said: “I’m delighted to be given this opportunity to get back behind the wheel of an F1 car and it will be interesting to work with a team that has made so much progress during the year.”
Toro Rosso has yet to confirm either of its drivers for 2009. Sebastian Vettel is switching to Red Bull and there is no word on the future of Frenchman Sebastien Bourdais.
Team principal Franz Tost said: “It is time to look for a suitable replacement for Vettel. The Jerez test is the last of the season and gives us an opportunity to evaluate Buemi and Sato at the same time. They are both possible candidates for a 2009 seat.”
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