Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost believes the under-pressure Jaime Alguersuari will receive a major self-confidence boost after finishing in the points for the first time this season.
The Spaniard looks increasingly likely to be replaced by Daniel Ricciardo at some point during the season if he doesn’t improve on his less than impressive results.
Whilst team-mate Sebastien Buemi has finished in the points on four occasions, Alguersuari has only made the top ten once so far. His eighth place finish in Canada puts him within four points of the Swiss driver.
“I am very happy for Jaime that he finished eighth, getting his first points of the season,” said Tost.
The Austrian is now hoping to see better results from the 21-year-old.
“It will be good for his self-confidence as he has been struggling slightly in recent races and we can expect better things from him now, in Valencia and the following races.”
Alguersuari agrees, knowing there is room for improvement.
“I am also very pleased that I have scored my first points of the season, even if I know there is still room for improvement on my side and in terms of how we set up the car to suit me, especially in qualifying,” he said after the race.
“This result will give everyone a lot of motivation to keep working hard. It gives us wings as we head for my second home race in Valencia!”
