Results (8/12): Toro Rosso, mixed

Toro Rosso, this year, had to fully assume the development of its car. This time, the team based in Faenza, to be considered as a manufacturer in its own right, had to undertake the development of its single-seater without the help of Red Bull. The latter’s “little sister” has therefore taken an important turn. At the start of the season, the team wanted neither to boast about its design work nor to do too much so as not to make a mistake.

« The STR5 certainly represents more of an evolution than a revolution », recognized Ben Butler, designer of the Faenza single-seater. “ We took the fantastic 2009 package as a starting point and we didn't want to do too much beyond the modifications and adaptations linked to the rule changes. As a result, the 2010 car can be considered conservative. This approach was dictated in particular due to the fact that the regulations arrived late. »

Fortunately, the 2010 regulations presented few changes and Toro Rosso was able to design their car without too much difficulty, building on the very good work done by Red Bull in 2009, when the design of the two cars was closely linked. “ We are blessed with good design, confided Giorgio Ascanelli, technical director. It goes without saying that last year's Red Bull was a very good car. There is also the fact that the 2009 car was planned to host the SREC while, this year, all the teams agreed not to use it, making our task easier. » But Ascanelli, at the start of the season, was not calm. “ I expect mistakes, we all expect mistakes “, he conceded.

The error has occurred. It was April 16, during the first free practice session for the Chinese Grand Prix. Sébastien Buemi left late on the track, his car being equipped with new hub carriers, lighter and supposed to be more resistant. On the third, the front right hub carrier gave way and, under the pressure, the one at the front left as well. A design problem for a team that was surprised by this incident and attached the old hub carriers to these two riders.

In addition to this spectacular Chinese accident, the start of the Toro Rosso season. The Faenza team competes, in terms of performance, with Williams and Sauber and can claim a one-off entry into the points. If Jaime Alguersuari scored his first points in the discipline in Malaysia, Sébastien Buemi was dogged by bad luck.

In Australia, the Swiss driver was knocked out of the race after being hit by Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber). In Malaysia, he was deprived of an entry into the points due to a poor tire strategy from his team. And, in China, he accumulated disappointments, having almost not driven on Friday due to his broken hub carrier, and being hit again on the track on Sunday.

« In the past, I have sometimes had bad starts but, in terms of bad luck and technical problems, I don't remember such a difficult period, confides the Toro Rosso driver. These first four races were very difficult, especially with these three races where I was hit by other drivers. I hope that Barcelona will be a turning point and that my situation can improve. »

Sébastien Buemi's car, which has been repaired and does not suffer from any defects, will however be replaced for Barcelona. Indeed, the Swiss, wishing to see the black cat that was preventing him from trying to score points move away, asked to change his chassis. Furthermore, he believes his team can do much better than occupying eighth place in the constructors' standings.

« I think that, in terms of theoretical pace, the car is certainly capable of placing itself just outside the top 10, that is to say in sixth place, whereas we are currently the eighth team in the championship. We are having difficulties but the car is competitive and I am confident that in the races to come we will be able to score points. »

Points, Jaime Alguersuari scored some. His first in F1, registered in Malaysia. The former Formula driver Renault 3.5 Series did not expect to score so quickly, having arrived in F1 nine months ago. “ I still have so much to learn! “, confesses the Catalan. “ I'm like a sponge at the moment, taking in as much experience as I can. The speed is coming but I haven't got 100% out of the car yet. It will be easier as you build up confidence and learn the circuits. So I'm expecting a lot from this weekend in Barcelona. »

The Spanish rookie, in addition to scoring his first points, also showed that he was a tough opponent on the track. His duel against Michael Schumacher, in Australia, marked observers. “ We don?t have a car capable of winning, so we have to fight for points “, says Alguersuari. “ This is the only chance we have. It?s always been my mentality to be aggressive and win the fight. »

To continue their progress in this very competitive environment, Sébastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari will have to continue to fight against teams such as Sauber, Williams and Force India, also candidates to score points regularly.