Red Bull set to keep same line-up for 2016

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Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says there is no reason for his squad to have a different driver pairing in 2016, with Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat set to remain at Milton Keynes next year.

Although the Australian was briefly linked with a move to Ferrari at the start of F1’s silly season, Ricciardo soon labelled the speculation “a bit of a laugh” and said he had a long-term contract with Red Bull.

Meanwhile, Kvyat’s graduation from Toro Rosso got off to a challenging start when limited mileage and engine-related reliability issues denied the Russian an opportunity to shine across the opening races.

Never a man to mince his words, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko even increased the pressure on Kvyat after both Toro Rosso rookies Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz outshone the F1 sophomore in the Spanish Grand Prix.

Since then, the former GP3 Series champion has been “developing very nicely” and secured his maiden podium finish at Budapest last month.

Asked about Red Bull’s 2016 line-up at Spa-Francorchamps last weekend, Horner replied: “I don't see any reason to change it.”

“We don't have any rush to make a decision, both the drivers are on long-term contracts, but it's a successful partnership and it's working well.”

Following another impressive performance in the Belgian Grand Prix, Kvyat has now moved ahead of his highly-rated team-mate in the 2015 Drivers’ standings, with 57 points to Ricciardo’s 51.

Click here for a lighter look at the Belgian Grand Prix, courtesy of F1i special contributor Eric Silbermann.

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