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Franz Tost praises Honda progress

19:54, 08 Apr 2018

byJake Williams-Smith

Toro Rosso tied their best result in the hybrid era with a fourth-placed finish in Bahrain.

Franz Tost was quick to praise Toro Rosso's engine partner Honda after a brilliant weekend in Bahrain. Pierre Gasly qualified sixth on Saturday on merit and was able to finish two places better on Sunday with a superb drive.

“Honda, as well as Toro Rosso, worked very hard during the winter months,” said Tost. “Fortunately we got everything together.

“I must say the Honda research and development department in Sakura has done a fantastic job because the engine is fast and reliable.

“From us, Toro Rosso’s side, we can here with some aero upgrades and improved the performance, and this is the result. I hope that we can continue in a similar way.

“Yesterday in qualifying he got everything together. Today (a) good start, fantastic how he fought at the beginning against Magnussen, really defending hard. Then he brought it home without any mistake, nothing. Congratulations, very good job.”

The Team Principal of Toro Rosso went on to say that the result was a surprise considering he had expected a difficult start to 2018.

“I always said that within the first 10 races I expect hiccups. And later on in the second half of the season I expect both cars permanently within the first 10. That means in qualifying three and also in the race.

“If our development plan from the power unit side and the chassis side goes in the correct direction then we must be there. The fourth place today no doubt was also lucky because Ricciardo (went) out, Verstappen out, Hamilton had some troubles at the beginning. But the race pace was quite good, constant and Pierre didn’t make any mistake.

“The pit stops worked well. That means also if these drivers would’ve been in there we could have finished in sixth, seventh place without any problem.”