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Alguersuari predicts Toro Rosso improvement

Toro Rosso have impressed in pre-season testing so far © Sutton Images

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• Drivers:
• Jaime Alguersuari

• Teams:
• Toro Rosso

Jaime Alguersuari is confident that Toro Rosso will be further up the grid this season.

An innovative car and impressive testing times have generated excitement around the team, and the Spaniard admits the signs are good.

"I think this year will be much better," Alguersuari told El Pais. "My feeling with the new Toro Rosso is very good."

The STR6 has drawn many admiring glances along with the new Williams FW33 and Renault R31 cars. And Alguersuari feels those three will form the chasing pack.

"We cannot expect to be ahead of Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren, but we can beat Force India and Sauber. Actually, if we can be between 12th and 14th on the grid and finish the championship ahead of those teams, we would be satisfied."

Alguersuari may have to deliver on his predictions, however, with Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko stating he is not afraid to make changes to the driver line up this season. Australian Daniel Riccardio is waiting in the wings for a race seat, and Marko has increased the pressure on the current pairing.

"If there is no more potential for a successful grand prix career, we separate," Marko told Blick.

It appears that Alguersuari has the more secure position at present, with team-mate Sebastien Buemi admitting that he needs to raise his performance.

"There is no excuse for my weak end to the [2010] season," Buemi said. "But in 2011 we will see a new, toned Buemi who is also stronger in the head. Under normal circumstances, I will have Jaime under control!"

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.