Tost believes Honda can breach the gap to Mercedes

Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost believes engine manufacturers, Honda will be able to match Mercedes and Ferrari in 2019.

The junior Red Bull team have been utilising Honda engines for a year in preparation for the senior team joining the Honda roster in 2019.

Speaking to Speed Week Tost said: "Since we will use the same engine, there are many other synergies.

"Toro Rosso will use the Red Bull Racing gearbox, full rear suspension and front suspension elements and other parts," Tost added.

There is an extremely positive outlook from Red Bull ahead of the switch to Honda as engine providers after a lot of complaints about the Renault engines.

"In terms of performance, Honda has narrowed the gap to Mercedes and Ferrari," Tost said.

Ferrari, Renault and Racing Point Force India are set to reveal their cars in mid-February just a few days before winter testing in Barcelona begins.

Tost spoke about Toro Rosso’s reveal saying: "The rollout is planned for week 7 (mid-February).