F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Tost: 'Hartley and Gasly are strong assets to the team'

There doesn't appear to be much doubt about Toro Rosso's driver line-up for 2018, with both Brendon Hartley and Pierre Gasly set to be confirmed.

Gasly, who won the GP2 series last year, patiently waited for his chance to step up to the big time, an opportunity which finally came in Malaysia last month, to the detriment of Dany Kvyat.

Hartley however had a more convoluted road to the pinnacle of motorsport, exiling himself in endurance racing with Porsche for several years - with a great deal of success - before he was unexpectedly chosen to join the Faenza-based outfit in Austin.

Despite enduring a difficult time in F1 since their baptism of fire, on the account of a painful series of Renault power unit issues, both men are expected to remain in their seat next year.

"This is in the hands of Red Bull to decide," team boss Franz Tost told Motorsport.com.

"Both drivers are strong assets to the team, and therefore I don't see any others going in the car for next year.

"But once more it's a decision of Red Bull, and they will announce this."

Indeed, Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko indicated in Brazil that a decision regarding Toro Rosso was likely around the corner

"Maybe Toro Rosso makes a press release with some substantial news," said the Austrian.

"I don't know, we'll have to see. We have other problems at the moment."

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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.

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