New Face Joins Formula 1 Grid

Au Revoir Daniil?


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There'll be a new driver pulling on the helmet at this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix.

Red Bull test driver Pierre Gasly has been called up to replace regular runner Daniil Kvyat in one of the Toro Rossos.

The Russian's being rested for the next few races, although the team insist he "remains part of the Red Bull family."

It's been a difficult season for Kvyat since being de-moted from the flagship Red Bull team to the sister squad.

Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost wasn't beating around the bush either with his assessment of Kvyat.

“For a variety of reasons, some of them due to technical problems, but others being mistakes of his own making, Daniil has not really shown his true potential so far this year, which is why we are standing him down for the next races."

Kvyat Proved To Be No Match Ricciardo At Red Bull

So it's off to the naughty corner for Daniil, allowing Gasly to step in and show what he can do in a Formula 1 car.

“He is the next in line at Red Bull for this opportunity and he has shown that he deserves it, having taken the 2016 GP2 title and this year being very competitive in the Super Formula series in Japan," said Tost.

Kvyat could yet return for the U.S. Grand Prix next month which clashes with Gasly's final Super Formula race in Japan.

“He really has a valid chance of winning the title, as he is only half a point behind the leader."

“The driver switch gives us an opportunity to make a more informed decision regarding our 2018 driver choices."

One of those choices has already been made for them with Carlos Sainz "loaned" to the Renault team next season.

It means there'll be at least one, if not two vacancies at Toro Rosso if Kvyat is demoted again - maybe back to karting?

 

 

Sean Maynard

10 December 2018

Article by:

Sean Maynard




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