Both Toro Rosso drivers had a spell in the new STR6 today – the second of the three day test at the Ricardo Tomo circuit in Valencia.
Jaime Alguersuari was in the car yesterday, and returned this morning to complete 64 laps. Sebastien Buemi took over in the afternoon for his first 46 laps in the new car.
After carrying out systems checks yesterday, the team switched their focus to developing a good understanding of the new car, and both drivers were able to try out the KERS for the first time.
Alguersuari tried three of the new Pirelli compounds, Medium, Soft and Super-Soft, whilst Buemi used only the first two types of tyre.
“A much better day than yesterday, as we managed to complete many more laps this morning, getting a lot of useful data,” summarised Alguersuari, who finished the day thirteenth fastest. ” There is much we have to learn at this stage, especially regarding the elements that are new in the regulations.
“It was particularly interesting using the KERS and I am beginning to understand how to use it, especially in the power recovery phase. I'm looking forward to getting back in the car next week in Jerez and moving the development along still further.”
Buemi enjoyed driving the new car for the first time and looks forward to returning to the cockpit tomorrow – the final day of the test. “This afternoon was my first time in the car and it felt good to be driving again after the winter break,” said the Swiss driver, who finished the day twelfth. “I ran for about three hours managing 46 laps which is quite encouraging for a first day.
“It is going to be an interesting evening studying all the data as so much is new to us and we need to understand as well and as soon as possible how the car behaves. So tomorrow, will be a case of carrying on down this route.”