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Daniil Kvyat says he is not scared of going up against Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull next season, despite the Australian's superb 2014 Formula 1 campaign.

In his first year at Red Bull, Ricciardo had a stronger season than four-time F1 champion team-mate Sebastian Vettel and won three grands prix.

Ricciardo tops AUTOSPORT's top 10 F1 drivers of 2014

Kvyat admits that Ricciardo's performances have set a high benchmark, but does not expect to be outperformed on his graduation to Red Bull in only his second season in F1.

"He proved to be a driver of an extremely high level this year," 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."

The 20-year-old Russian also shrugged off the significance of stepping into the shoes of a man who dominated F1 for 2010-13.

"Vettel had the perfect shot with Red Bull and got four titles; he did a fantastic job," said Kvyat.

"What makes me so excited about going to the team is that the history is so big in the team already.

"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."

He also has no concerns about racing with established world champions at the front of the field for the first time in 2015.

"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."

