Toro Rosso took a big risk on the design of their 2016 aerodynamic package according to team principal Franz Tost. The team ran a 2015 Ferrari engine last season which meant they struggled with top speed but introduced a new aero package in Germany to counter-act the power struggles.
Tost also admitted that the team spent several races wondering and researching whether or the not the design worked and if it helped them move closer to their rivals.
"We risked a lot," Tost said. "We had to risk a lot and we came up with a completely new aero package. We had already a very good car on the aerodynamic side. With a new aero package we got more downforce and the car was better, but of course if you have more downforce sometimes there's a little more drag.
"The others made some progress with the power unit and everything together meant that we simply didn't have any more of a chance to be permanently close to them. We couldn't catch up any more, it was too much. There was no way to develop the chassis to a level that we successfully could compete against the other teams where the power unit as well was developed."
Tost praised Ferrari for the job they did with the engine's throughout the season. Toro Rosso will return to Renault engines for 2017.
"It had nothing to do directly with Ferrari's power unit as it didn't drop off," said Tost. "It was always the question mark from me because you must see that the output from the power unit was always the same, all over the season. Ferrari did a fantastic job, was always the same."
Fergal Walsh
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Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
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