Barcelona Testing – Carlos Sainz Jr. has praised the improvement in reliability for Toro Rosso after two solid days of running.
The Red Bull junior team were hit with several engine-related problems during the first test, with the STR12 only making it out for an installation lap on the final day of the first test.
But Toro Rosso have racked up an impressive 175 in the first two days of the second test in Barcelona.
“I think today was a much better day compared to last week and we’ve definitely made a step forward in terms of reliability,” said Sainz.
“Our test programme this week is a very tight one as we still have a lot of catch-up to do, so it’s therefore still too early to make any conclusions.
Head of Vehicle Performance Jody Egginton, however, has said that it has not been entirely plain sailing for the team on Wednesday.
“A day of mixed fortunes really, with some very good steps forward made with the set-up but, at the same time, we have been dealing with some small but frustrating background issues which have broken up our running and cost some track time,” he said.
He also hinted at the performance of new development parts the team has been testing in preparation for the first round in Australia:
“Evaluating what we have learnt today, we can say that feedback from the development items tested has been interesting. It’s provided some valid directions for the short-term but also a useful basis for further medium-term.
“This is good to see, as it allows a constant stream of development items from early on in the season onwards.”
