Toro Rosso driver Brendon Hartley says he is relieved to qualify in sixth place at the Japanese Grand Prix after "six months of crap" that have led to his seat being in huge doubt for next season.
Hartley's future at Toro Rosso remains uncertain but the Kiwi claimed that he hasn't been able to easily show his improvements due to some of the strategy calls that his team have made.
"There's been a build-up of frustration over the last month," Hartley said to RaceFans. "Because I know I've got better and better and I have been strong and there's things that have happened behind the scenes that I couldn't always talk about, reasons that things haven't gone my way. Today it came together and I'm very happy."
Hartley said that his qualifying lap "felt awesome" - "I was quite emotional on the in-lap which is something that doesn't normally happen to me," Hartley admitted. "But I think all the build-up of crap over the last six months and knowing that I've got better and better but haven't always had the chance to show it or things haven't gone my way.
"The strategy in races haven't been in my favour if I've been the tailing car, or missing out to Pierre (Gasly) in qualifying by half a tenth or one tenth.
"Today felt good. It was high pressure, the track was tricky, my first time at Suzuka on what I would say is a real drivers' track. Really proud of the qualifying succession and also for Honda."
Deserved! ? They had the advantage of rain, but I hope this is a huge confidence boost for Hartley and Honda!
