"Good offer" in place for Naoki Yamamoto at Red Bull Racing

Naoki Yamamoto could be about to become a key part of the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team after talks between them and Honda in recent weeks. It is understood that the Japanese driver made a good impression in the first practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Yamamoto could come into things as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing or the junior team Toro Rosso.

“We confirm that we are having conversations about him with Red Bull and Helmut Marko,” Honda's managing director Masashi Yamamoto explained to Autosport.

“We have quite a good offer, but this is not only Honda’s decision or the team’s decision, but we also have to speak to Naoki himself as well of course.

“He’s participating in different series as well. It’s still ongoing.”

It was a largely positive year for both Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso so it will be very hard to break through as anything more than a reserve driver.