JANUARY 14, 2016

Gasly eyes Toro Rosso seat for 2017

Pierre Gasly is hoping to break into formula one with Toro Rosso next year.

Pierre Gasly is hoping to break into formula one with Toro Rosso next year.

The 19-year-old is the new cream of Red Bull's famous driver development programme, but Toro Rosso is all locked up for 2016 after Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz's impressive debut seasons.

On the other hand, Frenchman Gasly finished just eighth in GP2, admitting his campaign in the F1 feeder series was "frustrating".

So ahead of the forthcoming 2016 season, he told Ouest-France newspaper: "Nothing is signed yet, but the goal is to do a second season of GP2 and aim for the title. I know I have the ability to do it.

"This will be particularly important for 2017, if there are places to take at Toro Rosso," said Gasly.

Asked if he feels ready for F1, he answered: "If I was asked to drive tomorrow, I think so. GP2 prepares you very well for F1, especially in terms of tyre management.

"I need to make further progress, and another season of GP2 will only make me better," said Gasly.

(GMM)