Kvyat: Toro Rosso still chasing qualifying sweet spot

Toro Rosso is still chasing the “sweet spot” with its STR14 car in qualifying trim amid the tight midfield battle, according to Daniil Kvyat.

Kvyat managed to fight from P15 on the grid to score points on his Toro Rosso comeback in Australia last month, but could only finish 12th from the same starting slot last time out in Bahrain.

Toro Rosso is yet to record a Q3 appearance so far this year, with Kvyat explaining ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix that the team is still looking to piece things together when it comes to its qualifying form.

“I would say in qualy, the car still hasn’t clicked. I think we are still looking for that sweet spot,” Kvyat said.

“I think honestly when we do find it, I think it will be even better. In the race, I’ve been happy. If you look at our pace, it’s been definitely there, definitely good.

“The race is the most important piece of the weekend in the end, but you sometimes want to start a bit ahead.”

Kvyat said Toro Rosso’s qualifying pace was the main missing ingredient amid the fierce midfield fight that has seen all but one team – Williams – score points so far this season.

“Honestly, wherever you start from this year, there is always a chance to score points for everyone because everyone’s got good pace,” Kvyat said.

“We feel comfortable. The car has been reliable and responding well to what you want to do with it.

“It’s just that sometimes, you always want more and more from it, and I think when we find the sweet spot, it’s going to be even better.”