Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has dismissed claims GP2 championship leader Pierre Gasly will replace Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso from the next round of the Formula 1 championship in Singapore.
Gasly suggested the deal was done to see him replace the struggling Russian – who earlier this season was dumped by Red Bull in place of Max Verstappen – after telling a reporter for the Movistar broadcaster that a senior Renault employee had told him it would be happening.
However Marko strongly rebutted the claim, insisting Kvyat would remain in the car not only for Singapore, but for the remainder of the season.
"Kvyat will definitely be in the Toro Rosso in Singapore," he said. "Also for the rest of the season.
"I have to check on this story. I just heard it here for the first time. I cannot imagine that Gasly is so stupid to make these comments."
When asked if Gasly would at least be making some Friday appearances, he replied: "He won't be in the car on a Friday. He will be in a simulator on the Friday, but not in the car."
Gasly later issued a tweet to try and clear up the rumour: "Better to make it clear now, never said I would replace Daniil in Singapore, just said that I hope to get my opportunity in F1 asap."
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