Japan FP1 debut eyed for Verstappen

The Toro Rosso Formula 1 team is planning to hand new signing Max Verstappen his free practice debut during October's Japanese Grand Prix.

Formula 3 rookie Verstappen, who will become the youngest driver to start an F1 race when he joins the grid next season, recently completed his first proper test for his new team. The Dutch teenager comfortably racked up enough miles to qualify for an F1 superlicense, and Toro Rosso has now applied to the FIA to grant Verstappen his.

Team principal Franz Tost said he was hopeful this process could be completed in time to give 16-year-old Verstappen his free practice debut at Suzuka.

"It is in the hands of the FIA as to whether he gets his superlicense to do the Friday P1 session at Suzuka, then we will see," Tost said. "We are preparing him step by step and I am convinced he is the right driver for us for 2015."