I think handling and thrust do increase speed overall. With higher handling, you're not going to be using the airbrakes as much, and also won't be turning for as long through corners, so will not lose so much speed. Also thrust is important when coming out of corners when you've lost speed through turning/airbrakes. This is why I said you need to stay off the walls to get the most out of Qirex - I meant more so than some of the other ships.

Also, I'm almost certain that the stats aren't exactly as they appear. For example, EG-X seems faster at top speed than Assegai even though they both have 8 for speed. And Harimau will turn tighter than Assegai, both have 9s...