Brendon Hartley feels Toro Rosso could be a surprise package in 2018 following its tie-up with new 🃏Formula 1 engine partner Honda.

The Faenza-based cut ties with former engine supplier Renault at the end of last season in favour of switching to a works deal with Honda, following the Japanese manufacturer’s divorce from McLaren after a disastrous t⛄🉐hree-year spell.

Honda’s troubles with a lack of performance and reliability in the V6 hybrid era have been well docu🎀mented, but after Toro Rosso compiled the most running of any other team during the opening pre-season test in Barcelona - completing a total of 324 laps without any issues - Hartley is full of confidence.

"I’m really optimistic and positive about this new relationship with Toro Rosso and Honda🔥,” Hartley told mahbx.com. “Everyone’s working really hard. 🍸I see that we’re going to improve during the season. I hope that we can be a bit of a surprise.

"I think a lot of people wrote us off with the new partnership with Honda. I really believe we can surprise a few people. I know myself the people in this team and how hard Honda are♓ working as well. I’☂m really looking forward to the season.”

The two-time WEC champion says he has set himself targets of achieving his maiden points finish🀅 and potentially even a podium during his first full F1 campaign with Toro Rosso, having contested the final four races of 2017. 

“I know myself, my goals, of how I want to perform. But it’s hard to put a number on that. It’s a team sport, it’s not 💦just individuals. Th♉ere’s more than 400 people in Toro Rosso working towards that goal. 

“I’m the final piece of the puzzle inside the car, myself and Pierre, but it’s a big team effort. I have some perso𓆉nal goals and targets that I want to fulfil, and I think only I’ll know if I’ve achieved them.”