The Scuderia Toro Rosso team have announced that Daniil Kvyat will remain with the team in 2017, ending rumours that the Russian will be filling the vacant seat within the Sahara Force India F1 Team.
The announcement has also ended the chances of Pierre Gasly to step up to the Toro Rosso team for 2017, with the Frenchman now surely wondering when or if he will get an opportunity in Formula 1 with Red Bull backing.
Kvyat has shown some signs of getting his confidence back in recent races, particularly during the Singapore Grand Prix when he enjoyed great on track battles and secured a ninth place finish, and the announcement will almost certainly help this confidence grow still further.
“Great news! I’d like to thank Red Bull, Dr. Marko and all the team for their support and the faith they have shown in me since I returned to the team earlier this year,” said Kvyat. “I’m very happy to stay with a team that feels like home to me.
“I’m really looking forward to continuing the hard work together in 2017 and I’m really aiming high. I will always be fully dedicated, giving my ‘200%’, and I will be pushing as hard as I usually do, that’s for sure. I’m delighted!”
The announcement from Toro Rosso also confirmed that Carlos Sainz Jr was remaining with the team, but this move had been expected, and the Spaniard is delighted to be teaming up with Kvyat once more.
“Considering how many changes there are in the Formula 1 pipeline for 2017, it’s good to know that Daniil and I will continue to be team-mates here at Toro Rosso next year,” said Sainz.
“We know each other very well, as we’ve been racing together since 2010, and we work well together. I know that this season isn’t over yet, but I’m already looking forward to next year!”
Team Principal Franz Tost is happy to be able to announce his 2017 driver line-up relatively early, and feels Kvyat has been showing signs of returning to his best, while retaining Sainz was a must due to holding him in such high regard.
“It makes a change to announce our driver line-up relatively early,” said Tost. “There are so many new elements coming to Formula 1 in general and to our team specifically, in terms of the change of power unit supplier, that having the same two drivers gives us stability and a benchmark to work from.
“For Carlos, it will be his third year with us, which speaks volumes when it comes to how highly we rate him. In recent races, it has been clear that Daniil is back on top form.
“I always told him that his future with us was in his hands and he has stepped up to the mark and delivered the sort of performances that have ensured his 2017 seat in the STR 12. We now have a very talented and strong driver pairing to tackle a season in which we expect to be very competitive.”
