Honda pushing really hard with 'fine' engine - Gasly

40

Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly says the trouble-free performance of Honda's engine this week in Barcelona bodes well for the future.

The Faenza-based squad clocked in on Thursday with 324 laps, the most of any team in Week 1 of pre-season testing.

But Gasly himself completed a massive 147 laps on Thursday, a tally which points to the unquestionable progress achieved by Honda over the winter.

"I think it's really positive," said the French rookie.

"We didn't have any issues with the engine, which is always great, and hopefully we can carry on like this.

Honda could be a match for Renault by mid-season - Key

"I think it's really satisfying to have done so many laps. It's only the second day for me testing in the car, fourth day for the team, so we're still learning many things about the car."

Asked if Honda's positive performance and reliability in Barcelona would shut down the manufacturer's critics, Gasly said he hoped it would, suggesting that by all accounts it was a good start.

"Hopefully. I think today we have shown that the engine is fine.

"Toro Rosso is working really hard with Honda in terms of communication to have the best package possible.

"We have a common target. We are working as a team altogether, not as two different teams.

"There are still a few things we need to improve, I guess like every team. But so far, it's been great working with them. They are pushing really hard. That is always nice."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.