Formula 1

Jean-Eric Vergne: “A pleasant way to end the season”

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The Scuderia Toro Rosso team will complete their 2014 season in Abu Dhabi looking to secure more points to add to the thirty they’ve already scored that puts them seventh in the Constructors’ Championship.

Daniil Kvyat will be racing for the team for the final time before moving on to Red Bull Racing, while Jean-Eric Vergne will have one last audition before the team decide on who will partner Max Verstappen in 2015.

Vergne admits the Yas Marina Circuit is not amongst his favourite tracks on the calendar, but believes there will be an electric atmosphere in the paddock this weekend with the World Championship yet to be decided.

“A great track facility, nice hotels to stay in, good food and lovely sunny weather – a pleasant way to end the season,” insisted Vergne. “As for the track itself, it is not one of my favourites, but it does present some interesting challenges. The race itself is bound to be interesting because of the double points on offer.

“The fact the race starts in daylight and ends under floodlights also adds something to the ambience. I think the atmosphere in the paddock will be electric this weekend because it’s the championship decider.”

Team-mate Kvyat has happy memories of Abu Dhabi, having clinched the GP3 Series title at the circuit in 2013, and is looking forward to experiencing the track in an F1 car for the first time. The Russian will be competing in his final race for Toro Rosso before moving onto Red Bull Racing in 2015, and is already looking ahead to the next phase in his young career.

“Last year I was in Abu Dhabi, but not to drive in FP1,” said Kvyat. “I was only focusing on my GP3 weekend, which went very well as I won the championship, making it a very memorable weekend for me.

“I was aware of everyone watching me very closely as it had already been announced that I would be racing for Scuderia Toro Rosso the following year. It was important to show what I was made of.

“I like the track a lot, as it has an interesting and technical layout, which encourages you to push hard. It will be very different in a Formula One car naturally and I’m looking forward to finding out what it’s like.

“The season comes to an end on Sunday night and although everyone needs a break sometimes, you like to do what you do, so in a way it’s a shame it will be over. But I will be pleased to recharge my batteries in preparation for next year when a new challenge lies ahead and I am already looking forward to that.”

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