Gasly: I want the Toro Rosso seat

Despite assurances from red Bull management, the fact is that demoted Daniil Kvyat's future at Toro Rosso is uncertain and should he be ousted the next Red Bull backed driver to be loaded into the chamber is likely to be Pierre Gasly.

The 20 year old Frenchman, who leads the GP2 Series championship, told media in no uncertain terms, "For me the goal is clear: I want to be there next year in Formula 1, to get the Toro Rosso seat."

"I'm trying my best to get it, and at the moment I'm doing well, so it's important to keep the lead, show Red Bull I'm ready and I'm going to push for that."

As for a possible early promotion to the Formula 1 grid, amid the Kvyat speculation, Gasly insisted, "Honestly I don't listen to it at all. Already to be [in GP2] takes so much energy and you need to focus on the important things."

"At the moment I'm in GP2 with Prema, and that's what will make the difference for next year, so I need to put all my effort into it – after we'll see what happens.

"If I get a phone call, I'm ready for everything, but I'm just focusing on my stuff," revealed Gasly.