Red Bull junior driver Pierre Gasly says he's hopeful that he will be called up to replace Carlos Sainz at the Malaysian Grand Prix, should the Toro Rosso driver make an early move to Renault as part of an engine deal.
It's been reported that Red Bull and Toro Rosso have agreed to release the Spaniard in exchange for a supply of Honda engines for Toro Rosso next season. Renault made the demand in exchange for cancelling its contract with the Italian outfit to allow the deal to go ahead, whilst also agreeing to supply McLaren in 2018.
Whilst none of this is confirmed, an announcement is expected this week, which could see Sainz make an early move to replace Jolyon Palmer.
Gasly, who currently races in the Super Formula championship in Japan and took his second victory of the season at the weekend, is hopeful that he will be called up to replace Sainz ahead of a full-time race seat in 2018.
"Yeah, I know there are few things going on at the moment," said the young Frenchman. "We will see in the next couple of days what will happen.
"For me, it will be amazing. It's been my dream and I've been working really hard to get there. I'm still pushing every day to make it happen. So for me it will be unbelievable.
"This weekend I wanted to focus on my weekend and do the best I could. Now, we have a few days until the next race, and Malaysia will arrive quickly. Let's see how it goes. Hopefully I can be there."
