Carlos Sainz Jr ended the final day of pre-season testing on Friday by setting the second fastest time at the Circuit de Catalunya.
The Scuderia Toro Rosso driver was enthused by the performance of the STR11 during testing, especially on the back of a tough winter where the future of the team was in doubt before the team switched from Renault to Ferrari power.
Sainz Jr is now ready and excited for the new season that begins later this month in Australia.
“I’m very happy and excited!” said Sainz Jr. “Today was another good day, and the first thing I need to do is congratulate the whole team for the great test we’ve all done.
“I just cannot wait to get to Melbourne, I think we’ve built up a lot of confidence and it’s all looking good.
“This morning we tried the softer compounds and it all worked as expected. This afternoon the conditions were tricky, as the wind picked-up massively, but we were still able to complete our program doing long-runs which went to plan.
“It was a good way to end what has been a fantastic four days of testing after a tough winter. To be here and complete so many laps each day is just amazing. Next time I get into the car it will be in Australia and I just can’t wait!”
