Formula 1 newcomer Pierre Gasly has stated he would be prepared to miss the Super Formula finale at Suzuka to participate in the United States Grand Prix with Toro Rosso which falls on the same weekend.
In doing so, the young Frenchman would give up his chances of becoming a champion in the Japanese single-seater series as he sits just half a point behind current standings leader Hiroaki Ishiura.
However, after being given his first opportunity to race in F1 with the junior Red Bull team at Sepang and with no definite timeframe for the duration of his spell with the Toro Rosso Gasly is keen to not let it go.
“A title is always important and after winning GP2 (in 2016) if I can win Super Formula that would be great,” the 20-year-old was quoted by Autosport as saying. “But if I can race in Austin that would be even more amazing. We will see.”
The reason for Gasly’s sudden replacement of Daniil Kvyat all stems from Carlos Sainz’s move to Renault as it was suggested the Spaniard could replace Jolyon Palmer from the last race in Malaysia, however, the Briton turned down a payment to end his contract early.
In the need to assess Pierre and determine whether he should get Sainz’s seat from 2018, it was decided to oust Kvyat, of whom Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost suggested hadn’t performed to his full potential this season.
“If I can finish the year in F1 I will finish the year in F1,” he continued. “It’s my final target, it’s exactly where I want to be – in Formula 1.
“It would be a really useful experience. I keep learning in the car and feeling more confident so every lap I can get with the team will be useful for the future.”
As for whether there had been any progress regarding a possible 2018 contract, Gasly admitted there had not but wants to prove he is worthy of one.
“[We] didn’t talk about it at the moment,” he said. “They know what I think about it. If it was up to me I would have already signed a contract.
“The only thing I can do is focus on my job and try to do the best I can. Last year was a good season, I went to Japan and tried to do my best there. I had a really good opportunity with Toro Rosso. I’m just trying to do my best.”
