The Russian raced for Toro Rosso in 2014, earning a promotion to Red Bull, only to get demoted back to the junior squad after the first four races of 2016 as Max Verstappen took his seat.

While Kvyat's future appeared at that point to lie outside of the Red Bull programme, both team boss Franz Tost and Red Bull's Christian Horner expressed an interest in keeping him within the set-up - and the driver himself has now echoed the sentiment.

"Toro Rosso certainly would be a fantastic option," Kvyat told Motorsport.com, "I like the team, the team I believe is feeling comfortable with me.

"I believe that next year's regulations and car should suit more the driving style that I like. I think James [Key, Toro Rosso's technical director], he's proved he's really good in making the car, especially first out of winter testing, very strong.

"The budget development we are a bit limited, but the car is extremely competitive straight of the box. I think it will be the case also next year. So this will be a really interesting place to be."

Great support

While previously admitting his demotion to Toro Rosso made him stop enjoying racing, Kvyat says that the Faenza squad has made every effort possible to help him regain his form.

"When I came to Toro Rosso, I settled comfortably," he added. "My second time and my first year in the team, I was getting great support from everyone.

"Whenever there was a problem with the car, everyone jumps on top of the problem, whenever there are issues, when I did not feel comfortable with the car or so, everyone tries to give you a better feeling.

"So it's very appreciated from my side. So I'm very, very thankful that these guys are helping. The people around me are very good.

"But like I said, I think we still have time to decide everything together. I think the decision is not far away."

Interview by Jonathan Noble