Red Bull consultant Dr Helmut Marko says that the presence of the Russian Grand Prix in 2014 did not sway the decision to promote Daniil Kvyat to Toro Rosso next season.
In a surprise announcement on Monday, 19 year old Kvyat was revealed as the replacement for Red Bull-bound Daniel Ricciardo.
"No," said Marko, when asked whether the race at Sochi was an influence.
"We were looking for what is best for Red Bull and for Toro Rosso in the medium term. All of the people involved in this decision decided ‘yes, Daniil Kvyat is the right candidate.’"
"Out of the juniors in the frame for a Formula 1 seat, through his performance he was a natural candidate, being fast and mature."
"Daniil is aggressive, he never gives up and he has natural speed. We put him in the early categories and even without testing he was on the pace."
Marko also expects the Russian to be in a position to take on team-mate Jean-Eric Vergne once the sport returns to Europe mid-season.
"Of course he has to learn how Formula 1 is operating, he has to learn the circuits but I would say that after six to eight races he should be in a position to challenge Jean-Eric Vergne."
