Ready To Race

Scuderia Toro Rosso wrapped up their pre-season testing on Sunday, declaring themselves satisfied with what they have been able to accomplish in understanding STR7 and developing it into a race ready car. Chief Engineer Laurent Mekies told the press that; "Everyone in the team is very eager to get to Melbourne now and start racing.”

That sentiment was echoed by Daniel Ricciardo, who piloted the car during the final two days of the session.

"I’ve got a clear understanding of the changes we have made these past few weeks and how the car reacts. Now I’m just looking forward to Melbourne – can’t wait.”

The Aussie logged 131 laps on Saturday, including a full race simulation - and in the wet, as the weather dictated that day! The team even let Daniel make the call on when to switch to rain tires, just as he would during a GP.

He would post a further 100 laps on Sunday, but STR's press release did not specifiy what they worked on.

Mekies sees an especially tight struggle amongst the mid-pack squads this season, but feels that, thanks to Daniel's and Jean-Eric's efforts during the past three test sessions, STR will be ready to go. "Our two drivers worked very well throughout the tests and, over the last two days in particular, we managed to complete a very high mileage with Daniel. Between now and taking to the track at Albert Park for FP1, we will be working hard looking at the data to make sure we are getting the most out of our current package."