Gasly pinning hopes on Toro Rosso drive

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Rumors are swirling about Toro Rosso's current and future driver line-up, with Pierre Gasly waiting in the wings, ultimately hoping to be called into the bull's pen.

Speculation around Carlos Sainz immediate future was put to rest by Helmut Marko last weekend, the Red Bull boss insisting that the Spaniard will see out the rest of the season with the junior outfit.

Dany Kvyat's antics at Silverstone, where he punted off his team mate in another display of messy driving may have also eroded his credit with the Faenza-based outfit.

Perhaps for Gasly's eventual benefit.

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"For me, my target is still the same," said the man who made an impressive Formula E debut last weekend in New York with the Renault e.dams squad.

"At the moment nothing is signed in Toro Rosso," the Frenchman told NBC Sports.

"Of course at the moment everyone is talking with everyone, and every week it's changing. Until it will be official, I think everything is possible.

"Of course my targets stay the same after winning GP2 last year. I just feel like I am ready for F1.

"I will keep pushing until it happens."

As a resident Red Bull driver, outside F1 options may be limited for the 21-year-old who is taking it one step at a time.

"At the moment I’m just focused on F1, and then after we will see in a couple of months what will happen for next year."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.