Toro Rosso formalizes Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley for 2018

Both aligned within Toro Rosso, from Malaysia to Pierre Gasly (replacing Daniil Kvyat), and from the United States for Brendon Hartley (to compensate for the departure of Carlos Sainz in Renault Sport F1 Team), the two current drivers of the Italian team will continue the adventure in 2018 with the team led by Franz Tost.

« We are very happy to have Pierre and Brendon confirmed so early by Red Bull as drivers for 2018, specifies the boss of the training based in Faenza. During this latter part of the year they showed that they were ready for Formula 1, that they picked up the car quickly, that they showed good performances and that they constantly demonstrated that they were Ready for the challenge.

As we know, not all drivers can adapt to this pace in F1! So we're looking forward to having a full year with them, and we hope we can provide them with a good package that, combined with the consistency of the driver, will certainly be able to put them in the best possible situation to perform well. I'm sure they will continue to push hard and fight for strong results with the team. »

Crossed destinies

The tenure of Pierre Gasly appears to be the logical step for the 2 GP2016 Series champion, after having climbed all the ranks offered by the Red Bull Junior Team. « I am very happy to race for Toro Rosso in 2018, for my first full season in Formula 1, admits Gasly, lined up in Super Formula this season, and second in the Japanese championship.

I want to thank everyone involved who helped me get here: Red Bull, Toro Rosso, my family and everyone those who supported me in the lower series. I'm really excited and super motivated to give it my all in Abu Dhabi and next year. I am impatient. »

Former resident of the Red Bull fold before turning toEndurance with Porsche, Brendon Hartley avait été rappelé cette année et ne cache pas sa satisfaction de décrocher cette place de titulaire, lui qui devait également faire face au départ de Porsche du WEC.

« It's really incredible to be confirmed as a starter for next year with Toro Rosso, indicates the Kiwi. It's very satisfying to have converted a surprise opportunity into a starting spot in 2018. I couldn't be happier!

I thank Red Bull and Toro Rosso for believing in me and giving me this second chance. Dreams can come true and I will continue to work harder than ever to finish this busy end of season and start the new year as loud as possible. »

Toro Rosso, in the middle of a war of words with Renault during the last Grand Prix in Brazil, will evolve with Honda V6 turbo / hybrid Power Units in 2018. A parameter which will constitute a discovery for the two drivers and the team.