Jean-Eric Vergne has said that he is encouraged by the pace of Toro Rosso during the first two races of the 2013 Formula 1 season.
The Frenchman recorded the team's first championship point of the season at the Malaysia Grand Prix, sealing 10th place in the Sepang race.
The 22-year-old told the team's website: "What I do think is that the pace of the car is encouraging. I had the fourth fastest time in Malaysia. Yes, it was set on fresh options and light tanks but it's the same for everyone at that stage, so the performance is definitely in the car.
"I think we don't necessarily maximise the performance on Fridays or in qualifying, so that's where the improvements need to come. However, the race pace is good and that's encouraging as we go forwards.
"A lot of people were saying Malaysia, being the first purpose-built track of the year would give an indication of the pecking order but, honestly, with the rain and the heat and everything I still think it's way too early to tell."
The Chinese Grand Prix takes place on April 14.
