8:53 – Toro Rosso has confirmed that Daniil Kvyat will make way for Sean Gelael for the opening practice session at the United States Grand Prix, as part of the Indonesian’s test programme.
Formula 2 racer Gelael, following test days in Bahrain and Hungary, signed up for four Grand Prix practice sessions, the third of which has been scheduled for Friday in Austin.
Toro Rosso enters the event with a revised pairing of Kvyat and Porsche sportscar racer Brendon Hartley, in the wake of Carlos Sainz Jr.’s Renault switch and Pierre Gasly’s Super Formula title push.
Toro Rosso has opted to give Hartley the maximum track time possible as he gears up for his Formula 1 debut, with Gelael poised to step into Kvyat’s car for the first 90-minute session.