Bashful Kvyat rewarded for resilient drive

BUDAPEST, Hungary - Daniil Kvyat shrugged and smiled Sunday after scoring the best result by a Russian driver in F1 history.

The 21-year-old Red Bull drive was second behind Sebastian Vettel in the 2015 Hungarian Grand Prix ahead of team mate Daniel Ricciardo, who won here in 2014.

His finish enabled him to top the previous best Russian result, secured by Vitaly Petrov, who came home third for Renault at the 2011 Australian GP.

'NEVER GIVE UP'

Kvyat said: "It's hard for me to describe what I feel today (July 26). I learned never to give up, whatever happens... others were fighting around me and I found myself second. I think Daniel (Ricciardo) had a better shot at victory than I and he did the right thing to go for it.

"This weekend I've been able to take every opportunity and that's why I'm here now."

Ricciardo fought hard for his podium finish and survived two collisions, each with a Mercedes driver.

"It really was a good race," he said. "I came into it knowing the whole week had been so up-and-down for everybody.

"Once we got over the emotional side of what's happened, I put it behind me and I think Jules (Bianchi) and his family would have wanted to see a fascinating race - all of us drivers putting everything on the line.

"We all share that passion. I did that today. I left a heavy heart out on the track, I made some moves and took risks, and put it all on the line. I have no regrets about the outcome. I'm really proud of my approach to the race and how the whole weekend went.

"It was definitely dedicated to Jules and his family but also a part of that is for the team. It's been a long time coming."

'RUINED OUR CHANCES'

Ricciardo banged wheels with Valtteri Bottas Williams at the first corner but his car was undamaged - but then he collided with defending champion Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes. And he needed a replacement front wing after colliding with Nico Rosberg's car in the closing laps.

"I guess it ruined both our chances of a win," Ricciardo said. "Again, I don't regret going for that move. It was my only chance of victory. I thought the move was clean but I guess he thought he had more room on the exit, and that was it."