James Key is hopeful of a strong 2017 season for the Scuderia Toro Rosso team as they return to Renault’s power unit, although question marks still linger about the strength of the STR12 chassis.
Talking at the reveal of the new-look car at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the Technical Director of the Faenza-based team said that a lot of developments are planned for the new season, but a lot of work has already been done to add downforce to the car, including wider front wings, and lower and wider rear wings.
Carlos Sainz Jr and Daniil Kvyat remain as the teams’ drivers, and Key reckons their continuality and the likelihood of a strong power unit from Renault could mean that their annual ambitious-looking targets could finally be realised.
“With driver continuity and a power unit which made a major step forward last year and which should be developing strongly this year, it just leaves the chassis as an unknown quantity,” said Key.
“We always set ourselves ambitious targets and this year, we are taking a more long-term view over the 20 races, with a long list of planned in-season developments.
“I suspect it will be a very busy year with plenty of performance still to be found.”
