Honda working 'flat out' to improve engine

Pierre Gasly says Honda are working "flat out" in order to improve their power unit further as Toro Rosso look to make an impact in Formula 1 this season. The Faenza squad delivered impressive pre-season performance, but struggled at the Australian Grand Prix.

Gasly managed only 13 laps before he had to retire with an engine issue, while team-mate Brendon Hartley was the only driver not to finish on the lead lap.

Only Mercedes and Ferrari completed more mileage in pre-season than Toro Rosso, whose performance turned heads after Honda's three years of turmoil with McLaren.

Gasly branded it a "pain in the ass" after an MGU-H issue ended his race and also led to concerns over the three-engine limit in F1 this season - McLaren endured numerous grid drops last season.

The young Frenchman remains positive, despite not knowing when Honda will bring updates to their power unit this season as the Bahrain Grand Prix looms this weekend.

"On their side they are pushing flat out because they really want to show everyone they can do proper engines," said Gasly.

Captain Toro Rosso ???????????????????? pic.twitter.com/VEVhyshAf7 — Pierre Gasly ???????? (@PierreGASLY) March 27, 2018

"And in terms of the development already they are pushing flat out and we can see some really positive progress.

"We are pushing to have as many upgrades as we can, but of course we know we only have three engines so we need to see exactly when is the best time to bring them.

"It's all going well, but we also need to give them [Honda] time because it's Formula 1 – they are all pushing: Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, they are all pushing and improving all the time.

"For sure they [Honda] cannot recover everything in only three or four months, but in terms of medium to long-term collaboration I think they have a big, big plan ahead, and at the moment they are doing the right things and really pushing hard."