Gasly: I want to finish the year in Formula 1

Pierre Gasly made his Formula 1 debut at the Malaysian Grand Prix, and now that he has had a taste of the big time the young Frenchman is keen to see out the season with Toro Rosso.

Gasly was unexpectedly drafted into the Red Bull junior team in place of under-performing Daniel Kvyat. The sport's latest rookie did all that was asked of him in practice and qualifying.

In the race, despite a water bottle with a mind of its own and an uncomfortable seat he soldiered on to finish 14th, giving a good account of himself in the process. Now the bug has bitten!

Gasly told F1i, "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."

Kvyat remains part of the Red Bull "family" and right now it is not known if the Russian will return to action when the Gasly evaluation, for a race seat with Toro Rosso next year, is over.

Gasly has a good chance to win the Japanese Super Formula title. The final race weekend of the season clashes with the United States Grand Prix. Whether Red Bull will insists that their young driver contest the finale in Japan is not yet known.

As for 2018, Gasly revealed, "[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," added the 21 year old.