Daniil Kvyat says he felt “helpless” after an incident-filled Monaco Grand Prix but took solace from Toro Rosso’s pace.
Having qualified a strong P8 around the streets of Monte Carlo, the Russian immediately found himself on the back foot when he was stuck at 60khp and had to change his steering wheel at the start of the race.
After losing one lap, Kvyat hurriedly tried to make up for lost ground only to collide with Kevin Magnussen at Rascasse in a clumsy attempt. The 22-year-old, who was demoted to Toro Rosso ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, is at least confident he has what it takes to be a regular top-10 contender.
“I was fast the whole weekend so it’s already a good sign, if it means we have the speed it means that we can have other opportunities,” Kvyat said. “If I was really slow last weekend it would be a problem, but we had the pace for the race but I couldn’t do anything with the electronic issues, but it happens so you have to leave it behind and you can’t do anything and try again next time.”
“I look forward to Canada, I can’t wait to go to Canada because I was feeling a little bit helpless and it’s not a good feeling to be feeling helpless. It’s very painful when you lose the race before it starts, but we have to be strong because the car has really good potential.
“These small things that kill our potential – Carlos [Sainz] could score more points today but he didn’t so we need to have a good package but we need to get everything together, all together.”
Kvyat was found responsible in the incident with Magnussen and will have to take a three-place grid penalty in Montreal.
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