Sponsor insists Kvyat benched for two races only

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Scuderia Toro Rosso sponsor Acronis insists Daniil Kvyat who will be replaced by Pierre Gasly this weekend at Sepang will be back in action in Austin.

Based on the Russian driver's disappointing results to date and "mistakes of his own making", according to team boss Franz Tost, the Faenza-based outfit has placed Kvyat on the sidelines as it evaluates Red Bull junior bull Pierre Gasly.

Toro Rosso insists however that the 23-year-old "remains part of the Red Bull family".

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Serguei Beloussov, CEO of technology company Acronis which sponsors Toro Rosso, is adamant Kvyat will be back in his seat for the US Grand Prix.

"He is just out for two races while Gasly is tested. Sainz is still leaving, so next season is still open," he said.

Gasly is in the running to win Japan's Super Formula championship with the series' final round taking place on the same weekend as the US Grand Prix.

Igor Ermilin, president of the Russian automobile federation, told Tass news agency: "Given the move to Honda engines next year, they can afford to experiment with the drivers.

"So I think missing those two races will not affect Daniil or the team in any way. I don't think even they have decided what will happen next," he added.

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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.