Red Bull team boss Christian Horner hopes Daniel Ricciardo will remain on the grid next year so that he can continue his learning curve.
The 22-year-old Australian started the 2011 season as Toro Rosso's reserve and test driver, but Red Bull's chiefs secured him a race seat at HRT after impressive practice displays.
Although he managed to outqualify and finish ahead of his more experienced HRT team-mate Tonio Liuzzi on several occasions, his future remains unclear as he is in a four-way battle with Sebastien Buemi, Jaime Alguersuari and Jean-Eric Vergne for the two seats at Toro Rosso next year.
He has also been linked with a move to Team Caterham in recent days. Such a move would no doubt please Horner as it will give the Australian an opportunity to get more miles under his belt.
"I think that Daniel has done a good job in the races that he's had, so we need to look at the opportunities and options that are available," Horner told Adam Cooper's F1 Blog.
"I'm sure in the run-up to Christmas we'll conclude on what his programme will be for next year.
"He's learned for sure in the races he's done, obviously it's in difficult circumstances, in a car that is a long way off the pace. But he's still been learning, he's been up against a competitive team-mate. I think he's acquitted himself well. It will be nice to see him in a Grand Prix seat next year."
