Gasly hopes to fight for points 'every weekend' in 2018

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Pierre Gasly hopes Toro Rosso and Honda will deliver a package good enough for him to fight for points on a regular basis next season.

Toro Rosso has taken over McLaren's supply of Honda engines for 2018, hopefully cured of the persistent reliability issues which painfully undermined the partnership between the Japanese manufacturer and the Woking-based outfit.

Gasly insists however that he'll only have a firm grip on the team's prospects once pre-season testing gets underway.

"I hope we will have the potential to fight for points almost every weekend," he said.

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"But a lot is changing with the arrival of Honda and so today it's hard to know the potential we will have during the season.

"We will have to wait for the February tests," he told Ouest-France newspaper.

The 21-year-old, who graduated to F1 at this year's Malaysian GP, is not only looking forward to his first full season of F1 but also to France's return to the calendar next year.

"In Formula 1, having a home grand prix is incredible and for us, there will be three French drivers and a Monegasque as well," he said.

"I was able to speak with Alain Prost and Jean Alesi and they told me it will be a very special moment that you have to savour, because it only happens once a year," Gasly 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.