Kvyat joins Ferrari as development driver
Ferrari has announced the signing of Daniil Kvyat to be its development driver for the 2018 season.
The Russian had been in contact with various teams to try and retain a spot on the Formula 1 grid for the upcoming season, following his demotion from the Red Bull driver programme.
Despite attempts to fill the second seat at Williams alongside Lance Stroll, countryman Sergey Sirotkin looks set to be confirmed as the Grove-based outfit’s new recruit in the coming days.
Kvyat’s performances during 2017 season were not good enough to keep hold of his drive at Toro Rosso, finding himself ousted out with three races remaining.
The 23-year-old began his career at Red Bull’s sister team in 2014, following his impressive season in GP3, in which Kvyat won the championship at the first attempt.
A respectable rookie campaign saw him promoted to the senior Red Bull seat the following year to replace the outgoing Sebastian Vettel. Despite a series of strong drives, Kvyat was demoted back to Toro Rosso in light of being involved in a number of incidents.
Although he showed glimpses of renewed confidence, a string of poor results saw him replaced – at first by Pierre Gasly in Malaysia and Japan – and then by Brendon Hartley for the final few races of 2017.
The development role will likely see Kvyat help Ferrari develop its 2018 car with simulator work, details of his specific requirements are yet to be confirmed.