Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost says Daniil Kvyat deserves another opportunity to prove his worth in Formula 1, and believes the Russian will return stronger from his enforced absence.
Kvyat competed for Toro Rosso in 2014 and again from the 2016 Spanish GP until the 2017 US Grand Prix, having also participated in 23 Grands Prix for Red Bull across 2015 and early 2016.
Kvyat was dropped by Red Bull’s programme toward the end of 2017 after a poor run of results and instead picked up a development role with Ferrari.
Daniel Ricciardo’s Renault switch allowed Pierre Gasly to secure a 2019 Red Bull seat, in turn opening a vacancy at Toro Rosso, with Kvyat having emerged as a candidate.
On Saturday Toro Rosso confirmed that Kvyat will replace Gasly, and Tost is sure the re-recruited youngster will be stronger for his year out of competition.
“I believe he deserves another chance in Formula 1,” said Todt.
“Daniil is a high skilled driver with fantastic natural speed, which he has proven several times in his career.
“There were some difficult situations he had to face in the past, but I’m convinced that having had time to mature as a person away from the races will help him show his undeniable capabilities on track.
“We’ll push very hard to provide him with a good package, and I feel the best is yet to come from his side.
“That’s why we are happy to welcome him back to our team, to start a successful season together.”
Toro Rosso has yet to name a team-mate for Kvyat.
