Marko adds another name to Toro Rosso shortlist

©ToroRosso

There's still a seat to fill at Toro Rosso for 2019 after last week's confirmation of the return to F1 of Daniil Kvyat, and a new name has now appeared on the team's list of prospects.

The Faenza-based squad will see Pierre Gasly step up to Red Bull, while Brendon Hartley - despite his impressive performance in qualifying last weekend in Japan - still has his work cut out for him to retain his drive with Toro Rosso next season.

"The results don't exactly show it, but I know I've got stronger at every race," said the Kiwi at Suzuka.

"I'm just focusing on doing the best I can one race at a time and hoping that I'm on the grid next year."

Hartley gets Tost's attention, and a chance to keep his drive!

However, most pundits are banking on Pascal Wehrlein to replace Hartley, although Helmut Marko joked that when arranged alphabetically, Wehrlein "is very far down" Toro Rosso's shortlist.

Plenty other drivers are rumoured to also be on the list, but a new name has apparently emerged, according to Germany's Auto Bild: Alexander Albon.

The 22-year-old British-Thai racer is currently second in the F2 championship, behind leader George Russell.

Albon has historical ties to Red Bull, having been included in the energy drink company's young driver programme in 2012. He has also reportedly conducted simulator work for Mercedes at Brackley this year.

However, despite Auto Bild's speculation, Albon's chances of joining Toro Rosso are likely remote given that the F2 racer just committed to a season of Formula E with Nissan e.dams where he will partner former FE champion Sebastien Buemi.

Furthermore, the all-electric series' 2018/2019 campaign kicks off in Saudi Arabia on December 15 and will include several rounds clashing with the F1 calendar.

Former Mercedes protégé Pascal Wehrlein still seems like the most likely candidate to race alongside Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso next year.

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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.