Marko plays down Kvyat axe rumours

Aug.4 - Dr Helmut Marko has moved to temper speculation that Daniil Kvyat is set to definitely lose Red Bull's backing.

A poor run of form for the young Russian following his demotion to the junior team Toro Rosso, coupled with rumours in the Russian media, have led some to conclude that Kvyat's F1 career could be ending at the age of just 22.

But Marko, the head of Red Bull's infamous driver programme, told Germany's motorsport-magazin.com: "Kvyat only needs one or two good races to get his self confidence back.

"But he does have confidence," the Austrian clarified. "At the last race at Hockenheim, Toro Rosso was generally poorly unprepared with its new parts."

Meanwhile, the same German publication reported claims that the Mercedes-backed Pascal Wehrlein might switch from Manor to Ferrari-powered Haas for 2017.

Manor chief Dave Ryan admitted that it is not certain that Wehrlein will be back next year.

"Please don't misunderstand me," he said, "I think he's absolutely brilliant and I would like very much if he would be back with us next year, but let's see how the second half of the season goes."

Haas boss Gunther Steiner has been quick to express his interest in Wehrlein, but clarified that talks have not yet commenced.

"He's a Mercedes driver," he said, "so I don't know how well it suits us or Mercedes because we have the Ferrari powertrain.

"But I am of the opinion that he is one of the best young guys, in the league of Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Ocon," Steiner added.

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