Kvyat in frame for 2019 return – Horner (3rd Update)
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| Daniil Kvyat returns |
UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' with today's announcement. Our 2019 F1 Silly Season page has been updated accordingly.
09/27/18 (GMM) Toro Rosso is expected to imminently announce Daniil Kvyat's return to the team.
Sources say the Red Bull junior team will say this weekend at Sochi that the Russian driver is returning from his Ferrari test role to replace Pierre Gasly in 2019.
"If he does return then I think we will see a very different Dani," said his former teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
"He was always fast and I am sure he has worked on his consistency," he added.
Kvyat's 2019 deal is expected to be announced on Friday.
As for the identity of his teammate, Brendon Hartley says he is in the running to stay in 2019 even though his season has been difficult.
"One or two good races and the headlines will be very different," he told Newstalk ZB. "I have a contract for next year and things can change very quickly."
09/15/18 (GMM) Daniil Kvyat looks to have secured his return to formula one.
The Russian's career has been a rollercoaster in recent years, as he debuted for Toro Rosso, got a swift promotion to Red Bull, was demoted back to Toro Rosso and then ousted altogether.
He is currently a Ferrari simulator driver.
But it appears that Red Bull is giving him yet another chance, with 24-year-old Kvyat set to return to Toro Rosso to replace Pierre Gasly.
"He will drive for Toro Rosso next year. Contract signed," former F1 driver Robert Doornbos told Ziggo Sport Totaal.
Another racing driver, Nick de Vries, also told the Dutch broadcaster: "The contracts were signed on Saturday at Monza. I was there all weekend."
Indeed, Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko admitted in Singapore that a driver announcement is scheduled for the forthcoming Russian grand prix.
Asked if it will be Kvyat, Robert Kubica or Antonio Giovinazzi, he told Sky Italia: "One of them. I'll tell you at Sochi."
09/01/18 (GMM) Daniil Kvyat is back in the running for a seat at Toro Rosso.
With Pierre Gasly moving to Red Bull Racing, the energy drink company is looking for a replacement but is so far unable to secure a super license for preferred successor Dan Ticktum.
Last week, rumors emerged that former Red Bull and Toro Rosso driver turned Ferrari development driver Kvyat was back in the running.
"At this point in the season there are always a lot of rumors, and that is especially true in Monza," said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.
As for the Kvyat rumor specifically, he is quoted by Speed Week: "I think the situation at Toro Rosso is very open, so all sorts of options are being considered.
"Daniil is one of several drivers eligible for a Toro Rosso seat next year," he added.