Toro Rosso pair out to score in Hungary

The pair, asked by AUTOSPORT to rate their chances on Sunday, were adamant that the high downforce circuit would suit the STR5 well after the car struggled to perform on Hockenheim's long, fast straights.

"Hungaroring is hot, which is normally a little bit better for us", Buemi said. "The tyre combination is a little bit better for us as well because we struggle with the harder compounds.

"And the F-duct is not worth so much. In Hockenheim, it was quite a big difference - you could expect four or five tenths - but here that is not the case. So that's already three points that are better for us."

Like its closest rivals, Toro Rosso will be introducing new upgrades in Hungary.

"We are bringing a new floor and some new stuff', Buemi said. "It's always difficult to get the maximum out of it on the first day but I am expecting it to be a better race."

Team-mate Alguersuari, who made his Formula 1 debut at the circuit last year, was similarly optimistic when asked if the team could perform strongly this weekend.

"I think so, yes", he said. "First, because we both know the track, so we can start pushing from Friday onwards. And secondly, because I expect to have a lot from the upgrades. There are no big straights for the f-duct, and that will help us.

"I expect at least both of us to start in the top 13. If you start in the top 13, you have the chance to score points."

Alguersuari - F1's youngest ever driver - has struggled in qualifying this year but feels that beating his team-mate in Q2 in Germany shows his pace is improving.

"My performance was getting better every time I put on new tyres", the young Spaniard said. "At the end of qualifying, I had a good feeling and I did a good lap"

Toro Rosso is currently ninth in the constructors' championship, trailing Sauber by just five points.