Russian teenager Daniil Kvyat will make his Formula 1 debut in 2014, replacing the Red Bull Racing bound Daniel Ricciardo at Toro Rosso.
Kyvat’s appointment comes as a shock to the Formula 1 paddock, with Formula Renault 3.5 runner Antonio Felix da Costa having been strongly linked to the drive for some time.
The 19-year-old Kvyat is currently running GP3 and Euro Formula 3 programs with MW Arden and Carlin Motorsport respectively.
He has been backed by Red Bull since moving from karts to cars in 2010, with his journey to Formula 1 including stints in Formula BMW, Formula Renault and the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand.
“Daniil is a very talented driver, which can be seen from his results in all the junior categories,” said Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost.
“He impressed our team with a strong performance and very informative technical feedback at the young driver test in Silverstone.
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“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 ran a straightline aero test for Red Bull’s Formula 1 program last week having impressed with Toro Rosso in July’s Silverstone Young Driver Test.
“This is fantastic news, a dream come true and I want to thank Red Bull and Toro Rosso for giving me this priceless opportunity,” he said of landing the race seat.
“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.”
Kvyat currently sits second in the GP3 standings, just seven points down on Argentine Facu Regalla with one round remaining in Abu Dhabi early next month.
