Pierre Gasly says Toro Rosso-Honda must deliver a strong package during pre-season testing if the operation is to begin 2018 on the right foot.
Long-term Red Bull junior Gasly, the 2016 GP2 champion, will contest his first full Formula 1 campaign in 2018, having graduated to the sport during the latter stages of 2017, contesting five Grands Prix with Toro Rosso.
Toro Rosso has taken up McLaren’s supply of Honda power units, and will be the only squad to use the Japanese engines, after the Woking-based outfit brought its deal to an end.
Sub-par Honda reliability plagued McLaren’s pre-season preparations in 2015 and 2017, and with only eight days of running at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Gasly is aware of the importance of racking up mileage.
“At the start of February, I'll be going to the Toro Rosso factory in Faenza,” Gasly told the official Toro Rosso website, expanding on plans.
“We already did a preliminary seat fitting for the 2018 car, but there will be more to do on that front, as well as ensuring everything is set for the first test in Barcelona.
“Testing will be very busy with a lot of work to do, especially as we have a new engine partner.
“The important thing at the test will be to have a reliable package so we can do as many laps as possible and get a good understanding of where we are with the car, the engine and how the package is planned to evolve.
“There are only eight days of testing before Australia and that really isn't very much.
“I am very motivated about all this and I can't wait to start driving again and prepare for the season.
“To be honest, right from the start of December, it's all I've been thinking of!”
Gasly will partner reigning LMP1 champion Brendon Hartley at Toro Rosso this year.
