By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief
The final team to launch their 2017 Formula 1 car, Scuderia Toro Rosso certainly did not disappoint.
The Faenza-based outfit unveiled the STR12 on pit lane at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with a new livery concept that features mostly blue and silver, complimented with a hint of red.
One of the biggest changes for upcoming season at Toro Rosso is the power unit, which switches from Ferrari to Renault – similar to that of senior team Red Bull Racing.
At first glance, the STR12 sees similarities to other competitors with the sharkfin. However, the team also went with a rounded nose concept, similar to Mercedes.
James Key, technical director at Toro Rosso, believes the addition of the Renault engine and return of both Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz Jr. will help elevate the program to new heights in 2017.
“With driver continuity and a power unit which made a major step forward last year and which should be developing strongly this year, it just leaves the chassis as an unknown quantity,” said Key.
“We always set ourselves ambitious targets and this year, we are taking a more long-term view over the 20 races, with a long list of planned in-season developments. I suspect it will be a very busy year with plenty of performance still to be found.”
Sainz will get the first opportunity at Toro Rosso’s newest creation during preseason testing on Monday in Barcelona, with Kvyat taking the reins on Tuesday.
