Kvyat to secure new two-year Toro Rosso deal or move to Force India (2nd Update)
10/21/16 UPDATE
 |
| Daniil Kvyat |
(GMM) Daniil Kvyat is not denying paddock rumors in Austin that he is in the running to replace Nico Hulkenberg at Force India for 2017.
The young Russian and current Toro Rosso driver has had an up and down season in the Red Bull camp, but he has seemed back in form and happier at recent races.
When asked about the Force India rumors, Kvyat said: "I have only one goal — to stay in formula one. I don't want to think about anything else.
"Now there are various rumors, but it will be discussed behind closed doors. I have great respect for Red Bull and I'm loyal to them.
"My goal is to compete in formula one. Which team it will be, let's see. I myself would like to have more information," he added.
Indeed, Red Bull has a reputation for fiercely guarding its often long-term contracts with drivers it has developed, but Kvyat indicated that paperwork may not be a high hurdle.
"Honestly, we are all humans and you can always talk to someone else," said the 22-year-old.
"As I said, my priority is Red Bull and they are still the first that I will negotiate with. After that, we will make a decision about the future."
Told that his situation might be similar to Sergio Perez's, after the Mexican was able to rebuild his tattered post-McLaren career at Force India, Kvyat did not disagree.
"Of course there are many different options, but let's wait and see how the situation will develop," said Kvyat.
"Soon, everything will become clear, but I'm looking for a car with which I can show what I am capable of.
"Toro Rosso is a fantastic team, we are like a family, but everything will depend on Red Bull. If they tell me 'no', then I have to go somewhere else," he added.
 |
| Daniil Kvyat |
10/06/16
(GMM) Daniil Kvyat looks to have secured his future in formula one.
That is despite the fact the young Russian has been through the mill in 2016, after losing his place with the premier Red Bull team and struggling mentally with the transition back to Toro Rosso.
Not just that, strong rumors have linked French rookie Pierre Gasly with the seat next to Carlos Sainz for 2017, implying that Kvyat's once meteoric F1 career could be over at the tender age of 22.
But three media sources, including Guiamotor and the Russian news agencies Tass and Ria Novosti, are reporting that Kvyat looks to have secured a two-year contract extension by Red Bull.
An extended deal is no guarantee of a F1 seat, but the reports said Kvyat has impressed his employer with his post-summer break return to form, while Red Bull is concerned with the inconsistent form in GP2 of his potential successor Gasly.
Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost said last week that he is happy not only with Kvyat's recent form, but his statements that he once again loves his job.
"He has shown a very good performance and it's good to hear that he still loves formula one," said the Austrian.
"Daniil Kvyat is a high-skill driver. He lost it a little bit in the last months but fortunately he is coming back.
"I hope that for the rest of the season he will also do good races to show his talent and his potential — and then we will see what happens in the future," added Tost.