Toro Rosso principal Franz Tost said he was satisfied with the team’s achievements from the Formula 1 pre-season tests.
Tost: After completing the two pre-season tests here in Barcelona, I’m satisfied with what we have achieved, completing a total of 3.826 km in 8 days
“I have always said that the partnership with Honda will be very important for our team. It gave us the possibility to start a new way of designing and developing this season’s car in real cooperation with a very strong engine manufacturer – this time effectively working together in order to improve the packaging in its totality. After completing the two pre-season tests in Barcelona, I’m satisfied with what we have achieved, completing a total of 3.826 km in 8 days. In the end, it was really 7 days due to bad weather during the first session of testing last week, which makes the result even better”, Tost said.
“It’s great to see that we have been able to perform at a decent level in terms of speed and reliability. Honda has done a great job. But, also from our side, we have been able to provide our drivers with what seems to be an easy car to drive. Both Brendon [Hartley] and Pierre [Gasly] were able to give us a very valuable feedback during these days, accumulating lots of data, which we will now analyse to be at our best for the first race in Melbourne. I’m optimistic but cautious at the same time – there’s still a lot to do! I want to thank the team, Honda and the drivers, as we have done a very good job together. Let’s go racing now!”
That’s a wrap on pre-season testing! @BrendonHartley finishes the day with 156 laps and a best time of 1:18.949 ? #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/gHTMWJoAf0
— Toro Rosso (@ToroRosso) March 9, 2018
Brendon Hartley drove during the last test day, completing almost 160 laps
“I drove the car in Day One of Test 01, and I was able to drive on the last day. So I opened and closed the pre-season tests. It’s been great to see how much we have unlocked from the STR13 and all of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. The people watching back home might not realize but there are so many people involved to get these cars working to perfection!”, the driver said.
“I think we’re really in the mix and that we’re looking good for that midfield battle, which is really fierce. We’re starting to get a better picture of where we are in the fight. It was a really positive test and I think we’ve shown a lot more than what people expected… which is great! It’s been a strong start to the partnership with Honda. So I think everyone’s really positive after these test days and we’re really looking forward to Melbourne which luckily isn’t far away.”
A solid couple of days in Barcelona.
We are ready for Melbourne, see ya there! ?@ToroRosso pic.twitter.com/QxIWOXGhNa— Brendon Hartley (@BrendonHartley) March 10, 2018
