Feb.7 (GMM) Portugal's Antonio Felix da Costa is knocking on the door at Toro Rosso.
That is the admission of Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne, who like Daniel Ricciardo will race in formula one for the Red Bull-owned team for a second consecutive season in 2013.
But, with Red Bull traditionally using Toro Rosso as a driver development team, undoubtedly next in line for a Faenza-made cockpit is da Costa.
The 21-year-old has been singled out as a potential champion in this year's Formula Renault 3.5 series.
"I'm not too worried," Vergne is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.
"I am confident that I will have the performance. We definitely have a better car this year compared to last year, and also I'm a better driver, more experienced, and that combination automatically gives you better results."
As for Felix da Costa's likely candidature for a Toro Rosso seat in 2014, Vergne answered: "I see no problems with that. That's how it works at Red Bull.
"I've been in the same position. Antonio is a good driver.
"If he keeps doing a good job, he deserves to be in F1 and, following the policy of Red Bull, if one of us - me or Daniel - is good enough to be in the first team (Red Bull Racing), that will leave a free seat at Toro Rosso," he added.
