Toro Rosso F1 driver Kvyat feels he's outperforming the team's car

The Russian lost his Red Bull drive to Max Verstappen earlier this year, moving back to Toro Rosso from the Spanish Grand Prix.

Since then, he has scored four points, compared to new team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr's 26.

However, in two of the last three races, Kvyat has finished ahead of the Spaniard as Toro Rosso finds itself at a growing disadvantage with its year-old Ferrari engine.

Kvyat conceded he felt pressure while struggling to get comfortable with the car on his return to the team, but in recent races the 22-year-old feels he has turned a corner.

"I think I am outperforming the car at the moment, to be honest, so if this is not enough then I don't know what is," Kvyat said, when asked by Autosport if he was proving he deserved a seat in 2017.

"I'm feeling a lot more comfortable than a couple of months ago, that's for sure.

"I have to create my own comfort and it feels quite good.

"The start of every weekend is more enjoyable.

"Sometimes we know before coming to the race that it won't be easy but we keep fighting and I enjoy doing my work regardless of my position. Every day is a joy.

"A few months ago, of course I had a few doubts but now everything is clear to me.

"I love what I do and I want to do this as long as I can."

Kvyat said he was no closer to finding out whether he will be retained alongside Sainz in 2017.

Red Bull protege and GP2 title contender Pierre Gasly is waiting in the wings, but Kvyat hopes he will not have to wait too much longer.

"Whenever the time comes, it comes. It will be very soon but before it happens, I don't want to talk about it," he said.

"At the moment, my career is in Red Bull's hands.

"For a driver who has already won a few races, it's much easier.

"It didn't happen [for me], I have a few podiums which makes it easier of course but it's still not a win.

"At the moment, it's having myself and Red Bull discussing my future."