Carlos Sainz is already looking towards 2017, and believes that having an up-to-date power unit from Renault, in replacement of Toro Rosso's current year-old Ferrari engine, should move the team up a few notches.
Sainz has seen STR's performance level progressively drop off this season mainly as a result of its aging Ferrari power unit, the consequence of which has been an obvious straight line speed deficit.
"It's very frustrating, because you know when you go into a race, your strategy is fixed, because you cannot overtake, it's a shame," explained Sainz.
"It's frustrating, but it's what we have at the moment. We need to adapt, we need to correct it.
"At Suzuka we chose to run our standard downforce, without any compromise for our top speed - and it shows that our qualy performance improved compared to Malaysia, but our race was probably worse, so we'll need to analyse."
The Spaniard therefore views next year's switch to up-to-date Renault power as a catalyst for progress.
"Hopefully, Renault next year will give us... I'm not asking for a Mercedes, but probably something close to it.
"And with a strong chassis that James [Key] and his team are able to produce in the last couple of years, we should be able to fight where the Williams, Force Indias are."
In the interim, Sainz and team mate Daniil Kvyat will have to make do with Toro Rosso's current weaknesses.
Asked whether he is now forced to rely on inclement weather or sheer luck for points and a good result, Sainz agreed.
"To go for the points, probably yes. To go for Q3, definitely yes. The tracks we have ahead now, they all have very long straights. It's going to be tough but we will try."
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