Malaysian Grand Prix debutant, Pierre Gasly, has said that he would rather contest the United States Grand Prix as opposed to the Super Formula title decider in Japan, with both events being on the same weekend.
Gasly made his Formula 1 debut in Sepang driving for Toro Rosso, replacing full-time driver Daniil Kvyat. Here, the young Frenchman had a strong debut, being just slower than Carlos Sainz Jr in qualifying and finishing 14th in the race, despite having a loose seat and a broken drinks bottle.
The 2016 GP2 champion joined Super Formula this season and has secured two victories, leaving him only half a point behind Hiroaki Ishiura with just one round remaining.
“A title is always important,” Gasly told Motorsport. “After winning GP2, if I can win Super Formula, that would be great.
“But if I can race in Austin that would be even more amazing. We will see. If I can finish the year in F1, I will finish the year in F1. It’s my final target, it’s exactly where I want to be – in Formula 1.
“It would be really useful experience. I keep learning in the car and feeling more confident so every lap I can get with the team will be useful for the future.”
With Sainz on his way to Renault in 2018, it is expected that Gasly will replace him at Toro Rosso. As Gasly already has connections to Honda and with the Red Bull Junior team using power units from the Japanese engine manufacturer next season, this link is only strengthened.
When asked if he had discussed a seat with Toro Rosso in 2018, Gasly said: “[We] didn’t talk about it at the moment. “They know what I think about it. If it was up to me, I would have already signed a contract.
"The only thing I can do is focus on my job and try to do the best I can. Last year was a good season.
“I went to Japan and tried to do my best there. I had a really good opportunity with Toro Rosso [last] weekend. I’m just trying to do my best,” he added.
