Sainz completes 2017 F1 seat fitting

Carlos Sainz has had his 2017 Formula One race seat fit at Toro Rosso’s Faenza factory.

The Spaniard will return for a third campaign with the Red Bull junior despite Renault trying to secure his services to spear-head its works outfit. Sainz also briefly appeared on Mercedes’ shortlist to replace 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg but Red Bull team boss Christian Horner quickly moved to dismiss the rumours.

• Silbermann says... Engineering a change

The 22-year-old will once again team up with Daniil Kvyat, who completed his 2017-spec STR12 seat fitting two weeks ago.

Next year will see the introduction of faster and more aggressive-looking cars in a bid to make the sport more challenging for the drivers and exciting for the fans.

After using year-old Ferrari engines this year, Toro Rosso returns to the Renault fold and will have current-spec power units in 2017.

Sainz has made no secret that he wants to use the upcoming season to further cement his reputation as a rising star and land a top drive in 2018.