Toro Rosso sticks with Gasly, Kvyat for 2020

Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat will continue racing for the Toro Rosso Formula 1 team in 2020. 

After Red Bull announced Alexander Albon would partner Max Verstappen for next season, confirmation of an unchanged driver line-up at its sister team Toro Rosso seemed a formality. 

Toro Rosso officially confirmed the news shortly after Red Bull's announcement, with Gasly and Kvyat being retained at the Faenza squad for next year.

Gasly rejoined Toro Rosso at the Belgian Grand Prix in August after being replaced by Albon at Red Bull. 

The Frenchman struggled to adapt to life at Red Bull and ultimately lost his seat due to his performances, however, though he has regained confidence and form since returning to Toro Rosso. 

Gasly has finished in the points on four occassions since his summer switch, taking a best result of seventh place in Japan to sit eighth in the championship. 

"I'm really happy to continue with the team for 2020 and I’m sure we have exciting challenges ahead of us," he said.

"Toro Rosso has always given me the best chances to perform every season and I'm super motivated and dedicated to repaying them with the best results possible next year.

"Toro Rosso has been improving year after year and it's great to be a part of the journey. I'm very excited to see what we can achieve together in 2020."

Teammate Kvyat has also impressed throughout 2019 and recorded Toro Rosso's second-ever podium finish with a remarkable drive to third at the German Grand Prix in July. 

The Russian has only managed two points finishes in the last seven races but occupies 13th spot in the drivers' standings having collected a total of 34 points. 

"It's great to be confirmed with the team for 2020," Kvyat added. 

"I'm really happy because I feel very comfortable with everyone here, I know the team and they know me very well, so it’s easy to understand everyone’s needs.

"We've achieved great things together, like our podium this year in Germany, so I hope to deliver a very strong season again for this team next year.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue in Formula 1 and I will give it my all to show the best possible performances next year. I'm really looking forward to more exciting times together."

Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost added: “I’m delighted to retain Pierre and Daniil for next season.

"Both drivers have shown really good performances this season and they have proven in their years in F1 to be very competitive, able to exploit the car’s potential and give valuable feedback to make improvements.

"This young but experienced duo, combined with hopefully a competitive car, will be the best factors to achieve a very successful season in 2020 and I'm looking forward to this extended cooperation." 

The news leaves just Williams as the sole-remaining team yet to formalise its 2020 line-up.

Formula 2 frontrunner Nicholas Latifi is expected to be announced as Robert Kubica's replacement to partner George Russell, though Williams will wait until the end of the season to confirm its plans.