Toro Rosso better prepared than ever, says Franz Tost
Toro Rosso were forced to design and build their own car for the first time in 2010, in compliance with the new regulations
Also In The News
|
By Adam Leveridge. |  |
Tuesday, 02, Mar 2010 11:08
By Adam Leveridge.
Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost has claimed the Faenza-based outfit has never been better prepared for the start of a formula one season.
Since their inception in 2005, Toro Rosso has relied on Red Bull for upgrades, however, in accordance with new regulations imposed by the FIA, the team has been forced to design and build their own car for the first time, heading into the 2010 season.
But having clocked up 5,746 kilometres in total during the 15 days of testing in Valencia, Jerez and Barcelona with very few niggles, Tost said that, never in its short history has Toro Rosso gone into the first race of a season so well prepared.
"Thanks to an intensive and effective programme through 2009 and the enormous efforts of all our staff and suppliers we were able to get our car out on schedule and I want to thank them for a job well done," said Tost.
"Because the car was ready on time, we have made the most of the 15 days of testing, during which STR5 has enjoyed excellent reliability.
"We therefore managed to complete a very respectable mileage with both our drivers, despite the bad weather at the two Jerez tests."
With relatively good weather in Barcelona, both of the team's driver Jaime Alguersuari and Sébastien Buemi were able to complete full race simulations without any hiccups, suggesting the STR5 has good reliability.
"We have also seen that our two relatively inexperienced drivers have learned a lot from these test days and that they have been diligent over the winter in their physical preparation," said Tost.
"It just leaves the big question - how fast will we be? And the answer to that will have to wait at least until after qualifying and the race in Bahrain."