Red Bull & Honda success could be "massive" in Japan - Marko

Red Bull boss Helmut Marko thinks his team's future relationship with Honda could become "massive" in Japan, if the partnership proves to be a successful one.

Toro Rosso were supported in numbers in Suzuka last weekend, with the Red Bull junior team occupying Honda's power unit.

Brendon Hartley and Pierre Gasly both qualified well into sixth and seventh respectively - but failed to score points in Asia.

"It's very encouraging," Marko told Motorsport. "We got so much welcome in Japan. Can you imagine if we start winning? Being a frontrunner, I think it will be massive.

Honda's latest Spec has been widely praised following its performance at Suzuka, and Christian Horner is another big name who has hailed the Japanese manufacturer.

"Certainly over the whole weekend and also in Russia, we've been following the progress very clearly," Horner revealed. "And it's great to see them making real strides. We're obviously very excited about the progress they're making, and obviously hopeful as we head into 2019.

"You can see the straightline speed with the car isn't good, and that's where we're hoping that with the relationship with Honda next year, we get more into a level playing field," Horner finished.