Toro Rosso linked with KFC paint scheme switch
- Published on 02 Aug 2017 13:53
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- By: Chris Soulsby
Toro Rosso could be set for another livery change for 2018, as the Red Bull sister team has been linked to sponsorship from KFC. This speculation is a result of Formula 2's Sean Gelael driving for the Italian team this week at F1's in-season test at the Hungaroring.
The 20 year old Gelael has backing from the high street fast food franchise with his father, Ricardo, running the Indonesian branch of KFC - Jangonya Ayam. Ricardo Gelael was also linked to the buyout of the now defunct Manor team.
After his time in the car, Gelael seems to have impressed Franz Tost, the team principal of Toro Rosso. "His performance was very good and he did not stop improving on every lap," quoted El Confidencial. "Comparing him with Kvyat and Sainz, he was very good in braking, attacking the kerbs and in slow corners. If he continues like this he will come to F1 with success." This led to Spain's El Confidencial to wonder if " Toro Rosso paint their cars like KFC?"
Roger Benoit was more pessimistic about Gelael joining Formula 1. "Gelael is supported by Kentucky Fried Chicken millions at home, but his F1 chances are rather low," he wrote.
Gelael joined Formula 2 (then GP2) in 2015 driving for Carlin, switching to Campos Racing in 2016 and now Arden in 2017. In 45 race starts in the series, Gelael has achieved very little, finishing inside the points on only four occasions, one of which being a podium in Austria last year. In 2017,he lies in 17th place in the Drivers' Championship, with only three points to his name, making it unlikely that he will get into F1.
Chris Soulsby
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Replies (8)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Interesting.. Would be a weird livery in F1
talktohenry
Posts: 362
About as weird as a can of Red Bull or a pink BWT Force India deal .........
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
The worst piece of shit to be associated with the sport that calls for top fitness and general health. What happened to all that crying over 'what kind of message the sport will send to the kiddies?' But I know the answer.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I actually agree on this one. But then again, they still allow alcohol ads on cars, so I suppose it still gel with F1's regulations.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
If we're gonna go for fitness then alcohol and tobacco needed to go first. KFC would be a different choice for a sponsor, but I honestly care more about teams being well funded so they can compete properly. Bring back tobacco too, I don't care.
talktohenry
Posts: 362
MCLARENFAN1968 - You sound like a very positive person!!! If you owned a team........... and was desperate for cash as you would be, and if you were lucky enough to attract KFC or any unhealthy Global brand like this, you'd swipe there arm off to get the deal............If you haven't noticed sponsors are few and far between for most teams, hence why most are insolvent and go bust!
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
In a sport where the main sponsors have been alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and overly caffeinated drink I find it funny for people to comment on KFC's health concerns. As far as I'm concerned KFC is the 'healthiest' out of those categories.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Mc(Laren)Donalds would be interesting.