Dr Helmut Marko has suggested that Daniil Kvyat stands a strong chance of keeping his place at Toro Rosso beyond the end of 2016.
After the 22-year-old Russian was dropped from the Red Bull Racing lineup earlier this year and relegated to the junior team, all the signs indicated that the energy drink brand and Kvyat would part ways altogether for 2017.
That is because Toro Rosso are happy with Carlos Sainz but look likely to promote the next young charger, Pierre Gasly, from GP2.
Yet the very latest rumours suggest that Sainz could in fact be headed to Renault for 2017, leaving Toro Rosso eager to ensure continuity by keeping Kvyat.
"You see how Kvyat is reacting? He is doing a great job [at Toro Rosso]," Marko told Brazil's Globo.
It had been reported that Marko's relationship with Kvyat appeared to have broken down, particularly after the Red Bull split.
"Kvyat had a moment of emotional weakness at the beginning of the year, I don't know why, but now it's much better," Marko said.
"If he keeps this up, I see no reason why he should not continue in STR."
Kvyat, however, has made noises about wanting to leave Red Bull altogether, but Marko insisted: "Yes, but he has a contract with us.
"It is not he who must decide whether he goes or not, but us."
Kvyat has picked up 22 points so far in the 2016 championship.
