Tost opens up about decision to retain Kvyat

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Following his demotion from Red Bull to Toro Rosso earlier this year, Daniil Kvyat looked like his F1 future was in jeopardy, but the Russian will in the end be on the grid in 2017.

Toro Rosso team manager Franz Tost still believes the 22-year-old is one of the best fits for the Faenza-based outfit given the current context and imminent regulation change.

"First of all, Danill Kvyat is a very high-skilled driver,' Tost said.

" As we know from the past, he won the GP3 championship, and he was this year in China on the podium. Therefore, we are convinced of his talent.

"Secondly, his experience because next year will be his [fourth] season in Formula 1, and especially with the new regulations, his experience will help us.

"And third, each party knows each other now very well. That means the co-operation also regarding next year's new car will help us hopefully to operate quite successfully."

Obviously, the manager of the team whose purpose is to hone and nurture young talent is now putting experience at the forefront of Toro Rosso's priorities, at least for next season.

"We have two experienced drivers, which was never the case before at Toro Rosso, and also the team itself is improving.

"I expect a lot from the team and I hope that everything works into the direction what we think will be the case."

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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.