F1 young gun Kvyat not scared by Ricciardo

Formula One youngster Daniil Kvyat is not interested in watching new teammate Daniel Ricciardo do well next season – he wants to be the one winning.

Ricciardo outperformed four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel in their first year together at Red Bull in 2014, finishing third overall with three grand prix victories.

With Vettel off to Ferrari in 2015, 20-year-old Kvyat step ups from sister outfit Toro Rosso.

But he’s not intimidated by Ricciardo or matching his achievements in only his second season in F1.

“He proved to be a driver of an extremely high level this year,” Russian Kvyat told Autosport.

“I will be at Red Bull not to watch him do well, but to do my best and be in front of him and everybody; that’s how it’s going to be.

“I wouldn’t go there if I was scared.

“I know what he can do, but I will also do my best and my best isn’t that bad.

“People outside will look at one thing and draw comparisons, but I am only looking at what makes me go faster.

“I feel absolutely ready. It’s a challenge, but it’s an opportunity as well.”

Kvyat’s best finish in 2014 was ninth, but he also never finished lower than 15th, excluding retirements.

Despite his lack of experience at the front of the field, he is unfazed by the prospect of racing against established drivers for a championship-winning team.

“I have been wheel-to-wheel with some of them this year as it’s been an up and down season for everyone, but next year is an opportunity to fight at a high level,” said Kvyat.

“It’s never going to be easy for anyone and I am aware of this, but everyone started from where I started.

“I have to have confidence as there is no point doing it otherwise.”

The 2015 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 15.

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