Gasly a logical replacement for Sainz - Horner

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Red Bull's Christian Horner has confirmed that GP2 champion Pierre Gasly is currently the front-runner to replace Renault-bound Carlos Sainz at Toro Rosso.

A member of the Red Bull family since 2014, the 21-year-old hopeful was linked to a seat with Toro Rosso last season but was ultimately barred from stepping up to the junior outfit as it retained both Sainz and Dani Kvyat for 2017.

Gasly was subsequently sent to Japan to compete in the this year's Super Formula series in which he currently stands second with two wins.

Marko latest to hint at early switch for Sainz

Sainz's move to Renault has now put the French driver as close as he will probably ever be to an F1 driver.

"Carlos joining Renault creates a space and the purpose of Toro Rosso is to develop young talent," Horner said in Singapore.

"Like Carlos, like Max [Verstappen], like Daniel [Ricciardo] and like Sebastian Vettel before them.

"Pierre Gasly is the reigning GP2 champion, he's winning races in Japan at the moment and he would be logical, but nothing is confirmed."

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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.