Tost praises Kvyat for gained maturity and tech knowledge

Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost says Daniil Kvyat has gained both in maturity and in terms of his technical knowledge during his year away from F1.

Kvyat returned to Red Bull at the start of the year after being dropped abruptly by the energy drink company as a Toro Rosso driver before the end of the 2017 season.

The Russian then spent last year at Maranello as a Ferrari simulator driver, an experience that has added value to his personal development according to Tost.

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"Daniil is much more experienced now," said the Toro Rosso boss.

"He is much more mature. He understands the technical side much better.

"Last year, as well all know, he was working at Ferrari in the simulator.

"I think that he learned there also a lot and everything is coming together with him and therefore he is showing a good performance."

©RedBull

While Toro Rosso's overall result in Canada last weekend fell short of the team's expectations, Tost underlined Kvyat's run to P10.

"Daniil had a fantastic race and defended his position very well against Perez at the start, and towards the end of the race, he was able to increase his performance which enabled him to pass others and score a point," added the Austrian.

"I think this was the maximum we were able to achieve here, so we have to analyse all the data and figure out where we were losing here in Canada compared to others, to come back in the upcoming races with a stronger performance and get both cars finishing in the points."

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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.