Hartley targets Melbourne points finish

Brendon Hartley says that Toro Rosso have revised their early season targets after better than expected running in testing.

Toro Rosso ran mostly smoothly with the Honda engine in Barcelona, with only one engine related problem over the eight days.

Red Bull's junior team completed the third most laps during the two tests, behind only heavyweights Mercedes and Ferrari.

Hartley was upbeat when talking to the media, saying: "Everyone's pumped up and positive. Toro Rosso had a really strong start to the year last year and there have been a lot of changes too to ensure we can develop during the year.

"The initial brief was that Melbourne might be tough, but actually after these test days we've exceeded our own expectations and we're definitely in the fight for those points.

"The goal has to be points. I think Renault, Haas and McLaren are all looking very strong as well. But I think we are in there somewhere."

Hartley also praised Honda, who endured a torrid three years supplying engines to McLaren, but are have shown more reliability and competitiveness in the two winter tests.

The New Zealander said: "When I went to the factory a month ago, everyone was really optimistic and positive about this new partnership with Honda.

"I saw how hard everyone was working, so I had high expectations coming here and they've delivered.

"The partnership is off to a flying start."