Delighted Alguersuari targets Sauber after strong Korean Grand Prix

The Faenza-based squad put on its strongest performance of the year in Korea, with Alguersuari finishing in seventh position and team-mate Sebastien Buemi in ninth.

The result left Toro Rosso just three points behind seventh-placed Sauber with three races left.

Alguersuari, now 13th in the championship with 22 points, praised the team's efforts to have raised its game in recent races.

"The reality is that the Toro Rosso team has done a fantastic job, not just this weekend, but also going back to Suzuka, where we introduced some updates on the car," said the Spaniard. "In Japan, we did not make the most of them but in the few days in between the races the team has done really well to move forward for here.

"The car had fantastic straight line speed which is how I managed to pass Nico on the final lap. I must say I did not think I could do it, I did not expect it, but I gave it one last effort at the end I was able to get past, partly helped by the fact he made a small mistake on that lap.

"Combined with great pitstops, that is how we managed to produce this fantastic result. I am very happy for the team who have worked so hard, especially the mechanics fitting all these new parts.

"We are closer to Sauber now and with three races remaining, I think we have a chance of passing them, as long as we continue to perform like this, finishing in the top ten."

Buemi was also elated with his performance after having to charge back following an incident on the opening lap.

"I am extremely pleased with my race," he said. "Someone drove into me at the first corner which cost me four places and I'm not really sure what happened. After that, I had to work hard to pass other cars - the two Williams, the two Saubers and both Force Indias - to move up the order.

"The car was very competitive with good top speed down the straight. The pit stops also went very well, so I want to thank the team who did a great job right from the start of the weekend."