Red Bull, Kvyat, not ready to decide future

Jul.2 (GMM) Daniil Kvyat has indicated he could be open to staying at Toro Rosso in 2017.

After his shock demotion from Red Bull Racing, the disappointed Russian hinted he intended to leave the energy drink stable altogether next year.

But Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull's driver programme chief, and now Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost, say it is possible Kvyat will be retained after all.

Kvyat said in Austria: "I want to be a team player so yes, we will talk about it.

"There are always possibilities and options, everywhere and for everyone.

"Of course, Red Bull has strongly influenced my career and they play an important role in these decisions. But now is an intense month with a lot of races and I want to focus on my performances on the track."

Tost said early in 2016 that he thinks Kvyat is a potential world champion of the future, and in Austria he said he stands by those comments.

But Carlos Sainz has already been retained for 2017, while Red Bull waits over its decision about Kvyat.

"Red Bull will surely make a decision eventually, but at the moment it's not a priority," Tost told Austria's Laola1.

Kvyat continued: "I like Toro Rosso and I feel good here."