Toro Rosso has confirmed that Daniil Kvyat will replace Daniel Ricciardo next season. The 19-year-old Russian will partner Jean-Eric Vergne, who will be in his third year with the team.
Kvyat is currently second in the GP3 series, and has also competed in Euro F3 this year. Red Bull has decided that he is suitably qualified despite not having competed in the Renault 3.5 series, the company’s traditional path to the top, and in choosing him has overlooked Antonio Felix da Costa and Carlos Sainz Jr, both of whom were further up the ladder.
Team boss Franz Tost said: “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. Daniil can be sure that we will use all our experience of training youngsters to give him the best possible start to his Formula 1 career.”
Kvyat said: “Ever since I began karting, I wanted to get to Formula 1 and now that wish will become reality next season. I had a brief taste of working with the Toro Rosso team, when I drove for them at the Silverstone test and I enjoyed the experience very much. The fact I am based in Italy and speak Italian will, I am sure, help me to become part of the team very quickly.”
Adam Cooper F1 
Geez, I wonder when driver’s seats in teams will be selected
in utero
Oh no, I’m having a shocker!
Would’ve been equally happy with da Costa @ STR, probably a bit more because it might’ve led to some F1 demos around here.
DK was having a decent run in the second half of the season in that stuff resembling F3 and proper GP3, seems alright despite some earlier mishaps in GP3, thee. Slightly suspicious timing due to Sochi race and so on, could Bernard have ordered/sorta paid for a coupla russian drivers in F1 to warm up the interest? Because let’s face it: Petrov is outta F1 for good.
So sad for AFC who had a terrible year and terrible luck this year with Arden. Bad setups, too much pressure, great driving and a head between his shoulders. He deserved better…
A 19 year old kid with NO major racing experience to speak of? I know, similar to Kimi’s path, but MUCH younger. Maybe at such a tender age the kid will be malleable enough to listen and learn, without letting his youthful exuberance to become problematic.
Now we will have two drivers on the grid who bring enough cash with them to dictate to the team.