F2 racer Albon wants a shot at Toro Rosso seat

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.

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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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