Low-key inauguration for the new Toro Rosso
The first laps of the teams in Barcelona allow us to take a look at the STR11 in its camouflaged version, with which Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen will defend their chances for the 2016 season.
The team based in Faenza presented itself in an unusual way on this first day of private testing. No official unveiling with the journalists in the pit lane, but a very effective presence on the track as soon as the green light marked the start of the session.
The car currently stands out with this very unusual midnight blue livery. We can recall that Williams had adopted the same strategy just before announcing the arrival of Martini as title sponsor during the 2014 winter tests. We’ll have to be patient to discover the team’s final livery for the new season.
On board, Carlos Sainz Junior was beginning to rack up the laps.
And off we go! @carlosainz drives the STR11 out for the first time #STR11outoftheblue pic.twitter.com/UBPU1k3JPG
— Toro Rosso (@ToroRossoSpy) February 22, 2016
As a reminder, Toro Rosso is now powered by a Ferrari engine, a consequence of last year’s tensions between Red Bull and Renault. But this change does not seem to affect the team’s performance: despite using a 2015 version engine. Christian Horner estimated last week that this new association will give Toro Rosso an advantage of 0.8 tenths per lap compared to last year. The team might even be able to outpace its big sister Red Bull from the first Grand Prix in Melbourne!
However, James Key, the team’s technical director, does not hide his fears. The late integration of the Ferrari engine into the new single-seater would have caused a difficult winter and certain aerodynamic difficulties.
