Yamamoto to replace Pierre Gasly for FP1 at Suzuka

Naoki Yamamoto will drive for Toro Rosso during FP1 at the Japanese Grand Prix in front of a home crowd at the Suzuka circuit.

Yamamoto is the reigning champion in both Super Formula and Super GT and will step up for FP1. He'll replace Pierre Gasly for the opening session of the weekend who's torrid season continues having been relegated from Red Bull this could bring fresh speculation regarding his place in the sport altogether.

Yamamoto had plenty of people to thank following the announcement 

"First of all, I would like to thank Scuderia Toro Rosso, Red Bull and of course Honda for giving me this great opportunity," Yamamoto told the Toro Rosso website.

"I am delighted that I will get to drive a Formula 1 car this weekend, something which has been a dream of mine since I was a kid.

"To get this chance at Suzuka, a very important circuit for all Japanese racing drivers, in front of such a big crowd of Japanese fans, will make the experience even more special.

"On a personal note, I want to enjoy the experience of driving an F1 car as much as possible and I will be trying my very best to get the most out of it. It will be a special moment and I’m glad I will get to share it with the fans at this amazing race track, where I first watched Formula 1 cars in action 27 years ago," he concluded.