Mat Coch writes:

Daniel Ricciardo is hoping the technical situation at his struggling Toro Rosso outfit becomes clearer over the summer break as speculation mounts over the future of Technical Director Giorgio Ascanelli.

Ascanelli was notably absent from both the German and Hungarian Grands Prix, prompting team boss Franz Tost to admit he was 'on holiday'. It fuelled suggestions the Italian could be on his way back to Ferrari, and that he was in fact serving the early stages of his gardening leave - a relatively standard clause for any senior technical staff on the verge (or midst of) departing any Formula One team.

"In Hockenheim there was a bit of discussion and Giorgio was absent," said Ricciardo. " Whether it's something that will get resolved over the break…

"Maybe it came at a good time and some time off and everyone can rethink," he added. "Maybe it will be good and come to Spa maybe everything will be normal again or there could be some changes.

"I think personally I've got enough to deal with now and it's probably more up to Franz and the bosses to sort out."

It's believed Ascanelli's replacement at Toro Rosso, should his time at the Faenza based squad come to an end, would James Key, who has been out of Formula One since parting ways with Sauber at the beginning of the season.