Toro Rosso needs strong showing in Spain, says Sainz

The Red Bull B-team has shown strong pace during the first four races, but myriad reliability woes have left the Faenza-based outfit further down the points table than its main on-track competitors.

Sainz believes therefore that it’s vital that Toro Rosso is able to bank solid points this weekend before the team slips down the pecking order, at a track he feels ought to suit the characteristics of the car.

“Barcelona should suit our car well, as there are less straights and more flowing corners where you need downforce, which is what we have,” explained the Spaniard in Thursday’s press conference.

“We have some upgrades, but as the season goes on the big teams like Red Bull and McLaren will catch up and it will become harder to score.

“So it’s important that we take every chance, and I’m confident we can do that this weekend with this track layout.”

Inspired by Alonso

The 20-year-old also revealed that he was inspired to chase a career in Formula 1 after meeting Fernando Alonso a decade ago at Barcelona as a go-karter.

"I remember being her 10 years ago for my first grand prix that I came to watch, going to the hospitality and meeting my idol [Alonso] for the first time when he was at Renault," recalled Sainz.

"It was an amazing experience, and probably thanks to that I made the decision that I wanted to be a Formula 1 driver one day.

"10 years later, here I am, having my first chance in my home Grand Prix."