Daniil Kvyat surprised by early F1 form after US, Brazil practice

The Russian has delivered two impressive Friday practice runs for his new Toro Rosso team as part of his preparation work for 2014.

And having both stayed out of trouble and set some strong times - including P8 in tricky damp conditions at Interlagos - Kvyat has said that things have gone better that he could have hoped for.

When asked by AUTOSPORT if it was a surprise that he had gone so well, he said: "A little bit yes.

"You can never know how fast you can go in a Formula 1 car, as it is totally different car.

"In Austin it was a completely new track for me and surprisingly it didn't take me too long to learn the track, so I could end up three tenths off Daniel [Ricciardo].

"Here [in Brazil] were good laps. I did only one run, a good few laps and it was good for my experience.

"P8 is a good reward for a nice lap."

Kvyat says that the biggest benefit from his two outings is that they have given him assurance about the job he can do, preventing a nervous winter wondering what an F1 car will be like to drive.

"First of all it has brought me some confidence with the car," he said. "I don't have to think any more about driving.

"It is not any more a problem to go full power, and you can get a good feel for traction. So the power is not a problem any more. The downforce I am getting used to it and brakes are alright.

"All the steering wheel buttons, this has also been a good process. And next year will be a bit different.

"I have to set my mind on that work. And another thing is that I got to know the team quite well, so for next year that will be a help."