Autosportfoto

Red Bull expects and Gasly is keen to deliver

Pierre Gasly says he is well aware of the lofty targets set by Red Bull this year as he continues his quest to prove he is ready for a potential F1 driver in 2017.

On the back of his maiden GP2 Series success over the Silverstone weekend - his first racing win since 2013 -, Gasly has been entrusted by Red Bull Racing to trial its RB12 during two days of testing around the British circuit.

As the highest-profile member of Red Bull's prominent junior driver programme, Gasly has been tipped to step up to F1 in 2017 with Toro Rosso if he can prove his mettle in GP2.

Admitting his two days in the RB12 could be seen as an opportunity show Red Bull what he is capable of, Gasly accepts the expectations levelled by both Red Bull and himself remains high.

"For me it is a great opportunity," he said. "You don't get many opportunities to drive with Red Bull and I will try to get the best out of it and work very well for the team, follow the plan and also show them what I can do. They expect me to do well in my season and they expect me to do well when I am in the car and when I am in the simulator, so I need to be at my best and show I am ready for next yea

Though some have been underwhelmed by Gasly's performances in GP2 thus far, victory at Silverstone for PREMA Racing has moved him back into title contention, one he says he is confident he can clinch.

"For myself it is a necessity because I want to win," he continued. "I am not competing to be second or third and if I am doing it is to be the best. It is important for myself and then after of course I know what Red Bull expect me to do, so that is the target. It won't be easy because I have some really strong rivals but I will try my best and I will see."

Gasly's competition for the Toro Rosso drive is likely to only be Daniil Kvyat, who is competing alongside the already-confirmed Carlos Sainz this season. In Gasly's favour - despite not winning a race - is the fact he finished runner-up to the Spaniard in his first season of Formula Renault 3.5 Championship despite considerably less experience.

Zdroj: crash.net