Jaime Alguersuari has admitted he still has a good feeling about the 2011 season.
Leading observers and drivers are predicting a big step forward for the Toro Rosso team this season with its innovative car.
"I think this year will be much better," Spaniard Alguersuari, who ranked 19th in last year’s championship while the Red Bull-owned team was just ninth, said in an interview with El Pais.
"My feeling with the new Toro Rosso is very good," he added.
Some observers have predicted that the STR6 is so good that it is even better than the impressive Renault R31.
"We cannot expect to be ahead of Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren," acknowledged Alguersuari, "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," he added.