Toro Rosso have officially unveiled their first car STR13 from the collaboration with the Honda engine for 2018 season, in which the Scuderia assures full confidence, before the start of pre-season tests on the circuit of Barcelona on Monday.
Speaking to media, team boss Franz Tost believes their new car will be a massive challenge for this season with their rivals.
“I am really looking forward to begin this new season and enter a new era for our team, working together with Honda,” Tost said.
“We will not have a problem this year because the powertrain is working pretty well. It has made progress in performance and reliability in recent months.
“I am convinced that Honda has the capacity and the know-how to develop the engine to allow us to be where we want to be.
“The first three places are out of reach with Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull, but from the fourth, the fight is open. Our goal is to be at the front of the middle of the table, so around 5th place.” Tost added.
Toro Rossi finished seventh in last year’s constructors championship after being pipped by Renault for sixth at the final race.
They have been predicted to struggle in the 2018 season but the team remain optimistic the exclusive partnership with Honda can enable them to challenger towards the front of the track.
“The last few months, since the mid-September announcement of the partnership with Honda, were very full but we had no problem, including communication,” Tost said.
“I’m convinced that if we provide them with a competitive car, they will be able to perform at very high levels. We have been working very hard on the STR13, and I’m happy we don’t have to wait too long to see it running this season.” he added.
Force Inida have also unveiled their new car, the VJM11, alongside Toro Rosso, in Barcelona. (Source:www.news.com.au)
On the same day, Force India have also unveiled their new car, the VJM11, for the 2018 season, in Barcelona. However, no word on team’s new name.
Last season, Force India finished seventh and eight in the constructors’ standings with 100 and 87 points under their both drivers Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon.
