Formula 2 racer Alexander Albon says he will fight to figure among Toro Rosso's short-listed drivers for 2019, despite not being in the good graces of Helmut Marko.
The Thai-British charger - who was once supported by Red Bull but dropped from the energy drink company's young driver programme in 2012 - is a consistent front-runner in F2 with DAMS and currently sits third in the series behind leader and Mercedes protégé George Russell and McLaren junior Lando Norris.
If he can step up his game and remain in contention for the F2 title, Albon believes he may have a shot at filling a seat at Toro Rosso, with Pierre Gasly en route to Red Bull and Brendon Hartley's fate for 2019 still undetermined.
"I need to do better if I want to have a seat with Toro Rosso next year," said the 22-year-old hopeful.
"I think it's the only place I have [the opportunity] to drive with a team in F1.
"Dr [Helmut] Marko isn't my biggest fan and I need to impress him more to have a chance.
"I think the only chance I have to get to F1 is to have some good results and finish strong. I have to concentrate on F2, finish well and after that we'll see."
Racing without the support of a major sponsor or the backing of a manufacturer, Albon admits he's struggling to make ends meet in F2.
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