Toro Rosso happy with Renault progress

Toro Rosso says it is happy with the progress being made by Renault.

While the senior team Red Bull slammed its French partner after Melbourne, Toro Rosso has emerged as the more competitive 2015 package.

The Faenza based outfit, bought by Red Bull from Minardi in 2005, and Renault are now openly considering a close tie-up for the future that could see the Toro Rosso cars re-branded in yellow.

So it is no surprise that the highly-critical language used by Red Bull chiefs after Australia is not being echoed by those at Toro Rosso.

In part, that is because the team is on track for its target of fifth in the constructors’ championship, while Red Bull is more accustomed to winning titles.

Red Bull has already given up on the 2015 crown, with Dr Helmut Marko telling F1’s official website that the targets now are Toro Rosso in "P5 and Red Bull Racing P3".

"With the handicap that we have this year with the power unit we could say ’That’s ok for this season’ — but not for medium term," he said.

Toro Rosso, on the other hand, is happy with Renault’s progress.

"Renault took a big step forward after Melbourne," said technical boss James Key.

"In Melbourne, we had several problems, particularly regarding the driveability of the engine," he is quoted by France’s L’Equipe.

"But they worked hard and both drivers were very satisfied in Malaysia," said Key. "It’s not perfect yet but it is much better than in the first race.

"I think after a difficult weekend in Melbourne, Renault is back on track now."