Toro Rosso better than Sauber in some areas - Key

James Key, Toro Rosso’s new technical boss, says the Faenza based team is "superior" to Sauber in some ways.

Briton Key moved to Red Bull’s second team late last year, replacing Giorgio Ascanelli.

He is quoted by Russia’s f1news.ru: "After Force India and Sauber, Toro Rosso is the third team I have worked with.

"On the one hand, they are all a bit alike, but as they are three teams from three different countries, they each have an unique culture.

"In Toro Rosso I have to solve some new problems compared to Sauber, but also the resources of this team (Toro Rosso) are much more, both human and technical.

"Toro Rosso is at a decent level, although in some areas it is inferior to those I have worked with before. I’m focusing on (those areas)," said Key.

He revealed he is "pleased" with the progress of the 2013 Toro Rosso, the STR8, which will be launched at the first Jerez test next week.

Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo confirmed: "We have changed some things with the team.

"I hope to get some more points this season and get into the fight with teams like Force India, Sauber and Williams," he is quoted by Spain’s AS newspaper.

Toro Rosso finished the 2012 championship ninth.