Toro Rosso in race to make first test

The knock on affect of Red Bull Racing’s engine row in 2015 has meant that Toro Rosso are up against it to be ready in time for the 2016 Formula One World Championship.

The Red Bull sister team impressed during 2015, with rookie drivers Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz often outshining their Red Bull Racing counterparts.

Three-time race winner Daniel Ricciardo finished just 43 points clear of 18-year-old Verstappen, in a car with much bigger financial backing.

For 2016, the two teams will run different engines. Following a very late decision by Red Bull team owners towards the end of 2015.

Red Bull Racing will continue with Renault power, but will be branded as Tag-Heuer, whilst Toro Rosso will run with 2015 specification Ferrari power-units.

Despite the lack of turnaround time, Toro Rosso believe they will make it to the paddock in time for the first day of winter testing in Barcelona.

But they will have to run a temporary colour scheme as the livery isn’t ready.

‘We are so late with everything.

‘We want to make a proper paint job as well, so we will present the car only then in Barcelona.’ Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost told motorsport.com.

He continued: ‘In F1 you have always two problems, You run out of time and you run out of timing. That is always the same. It is nothing new this year.

‘Nevertheless, because of the late decision of what [engine] we were running this season everything got a little bit late, but our people did a fantastic job.

‘The car is nearly ready. I think we will have the fire-up today [last Monday] and we absolutely on schedule. Therefore I am not worried for the first test in Barcelona.’