Gasly targeting 2018 F1 grid

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Red Bull junior Pierre Gasly, who was snubbed by the energy drinks maker for a seat at Toro Rosso in 2017, is determined to race in F1 in 2018.

Much to many people's surprise, Red Bull extended Daniil Kvyat's contract for next season, leaving the 20-year-old Frenchman and winner of this year's GP2 series out in the cold for 2017.

Gasly reacted to Monday's news of the return of the French GP in 2018 by hoping he would be on the grid.

"I aim to be involved from 2018 because my goal, even more so today with this announcement, is to get into F1 as soon as possible," he told French newspaper Le Figaro on Monday.

"Anyway, this is a fabulous motivation and I am ready to give everything for it."

"I will try to suggest it to Helmut (Marko). I will devote all my energy to being on the grid in 2018. This objective is very clear in my mind and the announcement of the return of the French Grand Prix is a boost."

In order to keep its driver active next season, Red Bull is currently negotiating a deal to place Gasly in the Japanese Super Formula series, where Stoffel Vandoorne raced successfully this year.

Speaking in Abu Dhabu, Christian Horner insisted that Gasly remains firmly in Red Bull's stable, praising his achievement of winning the GP2 series this year.

"He has done important work for us with tests and development work," Horner said.

" There isn't a seat available in F1 for him at the moment, but he is the most senior member of the junior team and is being retained by us because we rate him extremely highly.

"Whatever the future holds for him, F1 can still very much be part of that future."

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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.