Daniil Kvyat stood down for ‘next races’ as Toro Rosso take chance on Pierre Gasly

Daniil Kvyat has been stood down by Toro Rosso for this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix and future races for "not showing his true potential" this season.

Kvyat has scored just four points from 14 races and will be replaced by Frenchman Pierre Gasly in Sepang this week.

"For a variety of reasons, some of them due to technical problems, but others being mistakes of his own making, Daniil Kvyat has not really shown his true potential so far this year, which is why we are standing him down for the next races," team principal Franz Tost said. Gasly will be making his F1 debut this weekend and could hold down a future place if he impresses. "This will give us the opportunity to evaluate Pierre on track during a proper race weekend," Tost added.

Gasly, one of the Red Bull junior programme drivers, has been racing in Japan this year in the Super Formula category. Gasly said: "This is a great opportunity for me.

"I feel as ready as I can be, having had to be prepared for anything in my role as Red Bull Racing's third driver this year.

"I will do my best to perform well with Scuderia Toro Rosso during these coming races."

Despite Kvyat's below-expected form, Toro Rosso has insisted the 23-year-old has a future with the team.

"This is not a case of goodbye for our Daniil, as he still remains part of the Red Bull family," Tost said.