Toro Rosso has confirmed that it will retain Jean-Eric Vergne for 2014, whilst announcing that Daniil Kyvat will be Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement.
The 19-year-old is a product of Red Bull’s Junior Driver Programme and will make the step up from the GP3 series where he currently competes, to partner Vergne at Toro Rosso.
Team principal Franz Tost believes the Russian showed promise during the Young Driver Test in which he drove for the Italian team.
“We are pleased to continue our policy of bringing on drivers from the Red Bull Junior Programme,” said Tost.
Daniil is a very talented driver, which can be seen from his results in all the junior categories,” he added. “He impressed our team with a strong performance and very informative technical feedback at the young driver test in Silverstone. This suggests that the basic qualities from which he can progress are all in place.”
Kvyat added: “This is fantastic news, a dream come true and I want to thank Red Bull and Toro Rosso for giving me this priceless opportunity.”
The Russian sits just seven points behind GP3 leader Facu Regalia and has already taken two wins this season.
He is believed to be bringing significant backing from several Russian companies as the country looks to assert its presence on the sport with the inaugural Russian Grand Prix next year.
The deal is a blow to Antonio Felix da Costa who many believed had done enough to secure the vacant seat.
