Gasly ready to skip Super Formula final for Austin

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Toro Rosso new recruit Pierre Gasly would be ready to give up his chances of winning the Super Formula title in Japan if he is asked to race in the US Grand Prix.

The Austin race clashes with the final round of Japan's premiere single-seater series in which Gasly currently sits second.

But his impressive F1 debut this weekend in Sepang, where he has replaced Dany Kvyat, could entice Red Bull to keep the French driver in the car for the remainder of the season.

Gasly admits however that he would like a shot at the title.

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"A title is always important," said the 21-year-old in Malaysia.

"After the championship in GP2, this was of course my next goal. But it would also be great if I could drive in Austin. I don't know where I'd rather be.

"I think if I knew I could finish the entire F1 season, I'd rather be in Austin," he added.

"Formula 1 is my big goal."

As positive as his debut Grand Prix weekend has been so far, Gasly insists he has not been guaranteed the full-time Toro Rosso seat for 2018.

"They have not spoken to me about my future," he insisted. "Of course if it was up to me, I would have signed the contract for next year already."

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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.