Jaime Alguersuari could win a ticket to Red Bull’s senior formula one team for 2013.
The 21-year-old Spaniard has not yet been confirmed for the secondary team Toro Rosso for 2012, but - after a strong second half of the season - he is expected to stay.
Indeed, he is now all-but admitting it.
Asked by sports newspaper Marca what he will have to do to replace Mark Webber at the main team for 2013, Alguersuari answered: "What do I have to do?
"According to (Red Bull driver manager) Helmut (Marko), I have to win a race with Toro Rosso. Those were his words in Japan, so I’ll try.
"I have 20 races to try it and I have as good a chance as any, however small," he laughed.
Should he win the promotion, however, Alguersuari refused to predict Sebastian Vettel-style dominance at the wheel of a Red Bull.
"It’s a question I cannot answer," he insisted. "We do know what would happen if Alonso was in a Red Bull, but as for myself it would be pure speculation.
"So I think it’s better to say nothing.
"What I will say is that if a driver has the best car, it is because he deserves it."
And Alguersuari thinks Vettel will probably continue to have the best car at his disposal in 2012, despite the FIA’s efforts to curb exhaust blowing and flexible wings.
"I think the best is always the best, and to date it has been (car designer Adrian) Newey. He’s a genius, an artist, and I see no reason why Red Bull’s dominance is going to be stopped now," he insisted.