Toro Rosso hit by drivetrain issues

40

Carlos Sainz took over from Dany Kvyat at Toro Rosso this afternoon but suffered the same drivetrain issue which limited the Russian's running in the morning.

Sainz was forced to stop out on the track at Turn 4, ending his session with two hours to spare. A state of affairs which naturally frustrated the Spaniard.

"Doing only half a day today, we were looking to maximize it, get into a good rhythm and add plenty of mileage to the car," explained Sainz.

"Unfortunately, we suffered a drivetrain failure half way through the afternoon, which meant we had to stop and not run any more today.

“It’s frustrating, but this is what happens sometimes during testing."

Toro Rosso's Jody Egginton, Head of Vehicle Performance, admitted the issue was a setback but one which the team vowed to resolve as early as possible.

"The issues today, combined with not having had a perfect day one and day two, leaves us with a lot of ground to cover between now and the end of the next test.

"However, we are up for the challenge and feel confident that there is a lot of potential in the STR12; we just have to remain focused in the remaining test we have and we will unlock it."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.