Toro Rosso technical director James Key has expressed his team’s satisfaction with the progress Renault has made with its power unit.
The French engine manufacturer has been vocally criticized by works partner Red Bull for their power unit’s lack of performance in comparison to Mercedes and Ferrari. With Red Bull known to have struggles with driveability from the engine so far this season.
Although all the Renault-powered cars, lead home by Max Verstappen in seventh, managed to finish in the points in Sepang last weekend and Key reckons Renault has taken a stepforward with tackling its issues.
“I have to say Renault has made a massive step compared to Melbourne,” Key told AUTOSPORT. “There were issues at Melbourne that affected us.
“There was some driveability issues and so on but it has done a really good effort to give us something in Malaysia that the drivers are really happy with.
Key however is wary that a sweet spot has not been found with the power unit yet and that there is ground to be made up on its engine rivals.
“It’s still not perfect, but it’s a lot better than the first race.” added Key.
“We need that performance because Ferrari has made that step forward and Mercedes are strong.
“But I think after a tricky weekend in Melbourne, Renault has recovered very effectively.”
Image courtesy of Scuderia Toro Rosso
