Carlos Sainz Jr says Toro Rosso has made a big step forward with the STR10 after introducing new updates at the final test.
Technical director James Key told F1i the updated car would be “a radical difference” from the one which was launched at Jerez, with a new nose the most obvious visual change. Sainz Jr was the first to drive the new car on Thursday and he says the improvement in the performance was immediately obvious to him.
“It felt different and it felt really good to be honest,” Sainz Jr said. “That’s why I want to thank the guys in Bicester for the great job they’ve done because out of the box you could already feel a step forward and a more complete package.
“I always say the first impression from a driver is always very important and that first impression that I got from the car on that out lap when I started pushing was really good. It put me in a positive attitude for the rest of the day and it felt really good to be honest.”
With such a major update, Sainz Jr says the whole car has taken a step forward as a result.
“It’s pure downforce, pure overall grip and better car balance. This obviously helps deliver consistent car balance through corners and overall the easiest thing to feel was a step forward with overall downforce.”
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