Toro Rosso has pulled the covers off its latest Formula 1 car at Jerez. During a special presentation on the eve of pre-season testing, the STR9, to be driven by Jean-Éric Vergne and Daniil Kvyat, was unveiled.
Following the online events put together by McLaren, Ferrari and Sauber, Toro Rosso became the first team to stage a traditional launch, gathering media and photographers in the pit lane of the Spanish venue.
“The 2014 season will be very interesting from many different points of view. I call it a year of new strategy,” said Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost as the car was presented. “Never before have we worked as hard as we have with the STR9. The team was working in the factory until 2am to get it finished but ultimately we managed it.”
As has become a common design trait due to the sport’s overhauled technical regulations, the Faenza-based squad’s new challenger, overseen by Technical Director James Key, features a striking ‘anteater’ nose.
Following its split from Ferrari at the end of 2013, it is also the first car from the outfit to incorporate a Renault engine, allowing for closer links to the primary Red Bull team for the beginning of the latest turbocharged era.
Jean-Éric Vergne will be the first to drive the new car when the Jerez test gets underway on Tuesday.
