'Our straight-line speed is just nowhere', says Kvyat

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Daniil Kvyat brought his Toro Rosso home in 13th position in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix following an unremarkable and laborious afternoon at the office.

Unfortunately, the Russian's run was by his own admittance the best he could have achieved which, in combination with team mate Carlos Sainz own low-key result, only underlines the relative weakness of Toro Rosso's STR11.

"It was the maximum we could do, I really don't think we could've done much better," said Kvyat.

"Nothing extraordinary happened, there were no Safety Car periods or retirements, so we didn't gain any positions that way either."

Kvyat's good will and desire to prove his worth in order to save his seat at Toro Rosso for next year are up against his car's declining level of performance, notably because of its aging 2015-spec Ferrari power unit.

"Our straight-line speed is just nowhere, which is very unfortunate, but there’s not much more we can do, we’re just too slow.

"On the positive side, I feel better in the car race after race and our team work is constantly improving, so we will go on doing our best to finish the season knowing that we couldn’t have done more!"

Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost, echoed Kvyat's grievance regarding the STR11's top-speed deficit.

"We simply don’t have the speed on the straight lines, something you certainly need to perform well. Both drivers did a good start and after the first lap we moved up to P11 and P12.

"All the others made steps forward with the development of their power units – as we are out with last years’ specification, we simply face a disadvantage regarding speed…

"We just have to be focused and finish the season in a reasonably good way."

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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.