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Tost happy with point on Kvyat's return to F1

Tost happy with point on Kvyat's return to F1

19-03-2019 19:15
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Jake Williams-Smith

Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost heaped praise upon Daniil Kvyat after the Russian driver scored points on his F1 return.

Kvyat was let go by the team late on in the 2017 season after a prior demotion from Red Bull in 2016. Kvyat spent a year away from a main driver role, instead spending 2018 as Ferrari simulator driver before being picked up by Toro Rosso to partner Alexander Albon at the team.

Tost said his return to Formula 1 was a success after he managed to hold off Red Bull's Pierre Gasly for the final points paying position of tenth.

"Alex started on the option tyre, while Daniil started on the prime. This turned out to be the right decision, because it gave us the possibility to be flexible with our strategy.

"Daniil drove a fantastic race, bringing home a point – we must not forget he’s been out of the cockpit for a year and a half, so to come back and fight successfully into the top 10 is a good sign for the rest of the season.

Tost also praised rookie Albon after his first race saw him just lose out on points.

"Alex did a great job too, because this was his first race in F1 and it’s not an easy circuit around here. Nevertheless, he didn’t make any mistake and learned a lot throughout the weekend. After the first race weekend, we feel we have a strong package, so I’m optimistic for the next races.”