Pierre Gasly: The rising sun before the zenith?
Also present this Monday at the press conference for the French Grand Prix, the 2016 GP2 Series champion made it clear that, barring any surprises, his 2017 program will turn to Japanese Super Formula. Before Formula 1 in the near future?
Only 20 years old, Pierre Gasly could not have known the first life of the French Grand Prix held at Le Castellet between 1971 and 1990. However, 26 years after the last race – won by Alain Prost – the young Norman was thrilled to see the Provençal circuit return to the calendar starting in 2018: “This race is incredible news for all Formula 1 fans in France, finally this Grand Prix is back!” he confided to the microphones of various journalists present in the Automobile Club of France room, including Motorsinside.
Having become a Red Bull test driver in September 2015, Pierre Gasly is already well acquainted with the workings of this modern circuit, renovated in the early 2000s by Philippe Gurdjian: « I have already raced on this circuit, I even won a victory here (in Formula Renault 2.0, in 2013)! I was there not long ago to conduct F1 tests with Red Bull for next year. It’s a circuit I know well, and I enjoy it immensely, I’ve done many laps here! There are some unique and very pleasant corners, including the Beausset turn. »
Let’s hope that Pierre Gasly can be one of the successors of Sébastien Bourdais, the last French driver to have participated in a French Grand Prix. For a Frenchman, this experience of racing at home would be unique. On a smaller scale, I had the chance to compete in a race at Castellet in 2 liters or Formula Renault 3.5 liters. In this specific case, you just want to have an incredible race to thank your fans. The desire will be there even if I imagine there would be more pressure. But I see it more as a boost!
Retour du #GPdeFrance: @PierreGASLY et Nicolas Deschaux participaient à la Présentation de l’évènement ! #FFSA
►https://t.co/T6sdVoz8Mu pic.twitter.com/MieY1Q4v0u— FFSA.org (@ffsaorg) 5 décembre 2016
That being said, while waiting for 2018 and the 15th F1 Grand Prix at the Circuit Paul Ricard, the former Prema driver will first have to get through a 2017 season in the shadows. Ultimately set aside by Helmut Marko, the 20-year-old will have to prove himself in a discipline other than F1, all while accumulating test kilometers on behalf of Red Bull.
« 2017? I recently discussed it again with Helmut. The goal is set: find the best option in 2018. There are big discussions underway, Red Bull is negotiating with teams for the Super Formula. » the Frenchman further clarifies before continuing: « I recently had Stoffel (Vandoorne) on the phone. He told me it was a very difficult series with many experienced drivers. The philosophy, the work with the teams, the comparison is totally different, but I am ready for it. It will be very exciting to discover a new championship; it would be a great source of preparation before – I hope – signing in Formula 1 in the coming years. »
昨日 #ツインリンクもてぎ で開催されたHonda Racing THANKS DAYより。
今回が本当に見納めになるバンドーン選手のSFラストラン！
来年はF1ドライバーとしてのバンドーン選手を応援です！#sformula #HRTD #ホンダモースポ pic.twitter.com/TZaMEPjYzw— SUPER FORMULA (@SUPER_FORMULA) 5 décembre 2016
For this, the Red Bull team is currently in discussions with the two main manufacturers, Honda and Toyota. However, while things seem to be delayed with the former, Gasly appears to be heading towards a team powered by Toyota. Team Le Mans, which included Narain Karthikeyan and Kamui Kobayashi this year, could be a viable option, as both drivers are uncertain about retaining their seats. Even though this signing might not evidently be a success, both drivers finished 14th and 17th in the final drivers’ standings, respectively.
In any case, Gasly will already have to catch up. The tests for the next season have already been conducted by the competitors, the same weekend as the GP2 Series finale, brilliantly won by the Rouen driver.
But our tricolor can see further. If he still follows in the footsteps of the Belgian driver in the Land of the Rising Sun (two victories, a fourth-place finish), anything is possible: « This Grand Prix will be an extra motivation. My goal in life is clear: I want to be in Formula 1. I’m giving all my time and energy to get there. I will do my utmost to be on the F1 grid in 2018. »
We will therefore closely monitor Pierre Gasly’s progress in Super Formula if a seat is granted to him. The doors to the Red Bull program are open for him. Especially since Daniil Kvyat has been weakened by rather average performances since his demotion in May. The Russian even has the task of aggressively starting his 2017 season, which will once again feature his local Grand Prix, held in Sochi next April.
