Toro Rosso stop early to ensure to be ready for tomorrow

2015 track action began today with the first official test of the year in southern Spain. Scuderia Toro Rosso, with Carlos Sainz at the wheel, shared the Jerez de la Frontera track with six other teams, running in dry and relatively cool conditions.

Phil Charles (Chief Race Engineer): “As usual when running a new car for the first time, our programme centred mainly on systems checks and ensuring that everything was running smoothly. Inevitably, we had some teething troubles although nothing major, but it did mean we had something of a stop-start day. Carlos settled in well and we managed to do some set-up work, as we aimed to improve the balance on the new STR10. An issue at the end of the day saw the car stop on track and, with not much time left until the chequered flag, we decided it was better to stop running early to ensure we are completely ready for tomorrow, when Max Verstappen will be in the cockpit.”

Carlos Sainz (Car 55): “We can take many positives away from today, our first proper run with the STR10, even if we managed a short run during an earlier filming day. We worked well together as a team and managed to complete a reasonable number of laps. That has given us plenty of data to look at tonight to help prepare the car for tomorrow, when Max is driving. I felt good in the car today, I was constantly improving, lap after lap. We did some adjustments and I think we have a good starting baseline.”