Pierre Gasly admits winning last weekend’s GP2 Series Feature Race at Silverstone felt fantastic, with the Red Bull reserve driver tasting victory for the first time in over 1000 days.
Despite showing strong pace and starting several times from pole in F1’s official feeder series, 20-year-old Gasly had suffered bad luck or failed to put everything together to return to winning ways since his 2013 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 title.
“It was fantastic,” Gasly said. “I have been working hard for many years. It is like my daily work I am trying to do my best to win races and championship so when you don’t get it for a long time it becomes really frustrating.
“Fortunately I have really good people around me to push me forward and get it. Hopefully I will get some more for the rest of the season.”
After testing for Toro Rosso in Barcelona, Gasly has been given two days in the grand prix-winning Red Bull RB12 at Silverstone this week. The Frenchman says he relishes the opportunity and is keen to convince the team he is worthy of consideration for a 2017 drive at Toro Rosso.
“For me it is a great opportunity. You don’t get many opportunities to drive with Red Bull and I will try to get the best out of it and work very well for the team, follow the plan and also show them what I can do. They expect me to do well in my season and they expect me to do well when I am in the car and when I am in the simulator, so I need to be at my best and show I am ready for next year.”
With Carlos Sainz already confirmed for next year at Faenza, Gasly was asked whether he had set his sight on Daniil Kvyat’s seat, to which replied: “My main focus is myself and I will try to do my best.”
REPORT: Raikkonen shows Ferrari pace on second day of test
Scene at the British Grand Prix
Silbermann says ... Radio Ga Ga
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