Official: Daniil Kvyat creates a surprise at Toro Rosso for 2014
While other drivers seemed favored to support Jean-Eric Vergne at Toro Rosso in 2014, it is the young 19-year-old Russian, Daniil Kvyat, who has just been officially signed by the Faenza team for the upcoming season.
Definitely, the transfers for the 2014 season hold some surprises for us: the retirement of Mark Webber, the return of Kimi Räikkönen to Ferrari, and now, the signing of a young Russian driver, Daniil Kvyat, to support Jean-Eric Vergne at Toro Rosso next season.
This 19-year-old Russian driver, almost unknown to the general public, edged out other contenders such as Antonio Felix da Costa, who is paying for a disappointing season in Formula Renault 3.5, as well as Carlos Sainz Jr and Felipe Nasr. The first two mentioned are part of the Red Bull junior driver program, just like Kvyat.
Toro Rosso, however, has accustomed us to surprises, with the regular dismissals in recent years of Sébastien Buemi, Jaime Alguersuari, and Sébastien Bourdais for lack of convincing results. Helmut Marko justifies this surprising choice with an obvious reason that is unique to him: « Every time we put him in a car, his efforts have been remarkable. If a young driver demonstrates talent, passion, and a high level of work ethic, we give them a chance. That’s how it is and that’s why we chose Kvyat. »
Kvyat is an accomplished driver currently fighting for the GP3 championship title, currently in second position in the drivers’ standings behind Facu Regalia with one race to go. The 19-year-old Russian had participated in the young drivers’ tests at Silverstone in July at the wheel of the Toro Rosso.
For his part, Franz Tost, head of Toro Rosso, is pleased to continue the team’s policy of nurturing young talent: “We are happy to continue our policy of developing young Red Bull drivers. He impressed us during the tests, and we believe he has the fundamental qualities to be an F1 driver. Daniil can be assured that we will share all our experience with him to ensure his debut goes as smoothly as possible.”
The main person involved is, of course, delighted with this news: « It’s fantastic news, a dream come true, and I want to thank Red Bull and Toro Rosso for giving me this invaluable opportunity. Since I started karting, I wanted to reach Formula 1, and now that wish is becoming reality as early as next season. Being based in Italy and speaking Italian will help me feel at home quickly within the team. »
Through this statement on its website, Toro Rosso officially confirms the presence of Jean-Eric Vergne for what will be his third season in Faenza. A first for a Toro Rosso driver.
