Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz Jr. says he is hoping to make up for last year’s disappointing Singapore Grand Prix result when Formula 1 returns to Marina Bay this weekend.
Sainz Jr. qualified in sixth position for last season’s race but made contact with Nico Hülkenberg off the line as he avoided the slow-starting Red Bull of Max Verstappen.
Sainz Jr. was forced into an early stop, knocking his strategy off-kilter, before an Energy Recovery Systems problem skewered his prospects further, as he came home outside of the points.
The Spaniard is hoping to make amends for Toro Rosso this weekend.
“Last year I performed one of my best qualifying sessions of the season, something which is very important to do in Singapore as it's difficult to overtake during the race,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the good qualifying didn't count for much in the end, as I had a frustrating start when I got hit as the lights went out.
“It was a very tough moment, as I was expecting to fight for points.
“We probably lost a chance of scoring a strong result, so let's see if we can do it this year.”
Team-mate Daniil Kvyat says Toro Rosso needs to grasp any opportunity which comes its way, as he chases his first points finish since May’s Spanish Grand Prix.
“Last year I finished in the points after a very good qualifying session on Saturday so I hope we can be competitive also this year,” said Kvyat.
“In addition, everything can happen in Singapore, the walls are very close and the physical preparation can make a big difference.
“We need to take any chance that comes our way and bring home points.”
