Gasly hopeful of Red Bull F1 test in Abu Dhabi

Pierre Gasly is hoping to begin his preparation with the Red Bull Formula 1 team ahead of his switch for 2019 by testing with the outfit in the end-of-season running in Abu Dhabi.

Gasly will move up from Toro Rosso to the senior Red Bull F1 operation next year, replacing the Renault-bound Daniel Ricciardo after an impressive first full season in the sport.

Gasly’s final appearance in Toro Rosso colours will come at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November, with a two-day test scheduled at the Yas Marina Circuit in the week following the race.

Asked by Crash.net if there were any plans to test early with Red Bull, Gasly confirmed it had been discussed and that he was hopeful of doing so.

“Yeah, we are considering it, but at the moment nothing has been confirmed,” Gasly said.

“For sure it would be good to have a first [test], even if it’s with this year’s car, just to start working with my engineer and with the team.

“I think I should know more in the next week or two weeks.”

Gasly has previously tested for the senior Red Bull team in F1 prior to making his grand prix debut, having worked as a test and development driver.

Gasly’s most recent Red Bull appearance came at the in-season test in Hungary last year, while he also sampled its 2015 and 2016 cars.

The Frenchman could be one of a number of drivers to switch teams for the Abu Dhabi test, with Charles Leclerc and Kimi Raikkonen tipped to link up with Ferrari and Sauber respectively for the running.

One man who will not be doing so is Ricciardo, who has been denied the chance to test with Renault in Abu Dhabi by Red Bull.

The post-season Abu Dhabi F1 test takes place at the Yas Marina Circuit on November 28-29.