F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Engine woes hit Toro Rosso: Sainz hoping for better second week

Carlos Sainz has lamented Toro Rosso's lack of running on the back of niggling issues associated with Renault's power unit.

Sainz lost precious track time yesterday when he stopped early because of an engine problem, with more woes affecting Dany Kvyat this morning and Renault changing the STR12's power unit.

"We knew it was going be a tough first test," said Sainz.

"Especially because the engine is completely new. It's a bit like nearly a start from zero from there, so it was obviously not gonna be easy.

"But of course we would have liked to do some more laps these last couple of days, but we need to give them time.

"The whole team will tell you that we would have liked to do more laps and to complete a bigger part of the programme.

"They have done a fully new engine that they are predicting a good step on power, so as long as this power is delivered in the first race, I'm not going to complain at all."

The Spanish driver is obviously looking for a better second week of pre-season testing.

"I think now the main focus is to improve the reliability. I'm not going to apply any kind of pressure or anything, because they already know that we need to keep working on that and start adding some laps to our lap count."

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.

Recent Posts

Norris: More F1 titles possible – but peace already secured

For Lando Norris, the number “1” is no longer an aspiration painted in imagination –…

10 hours ago

Cadillac buoyed by ‘strong team spirit’ ahead of F1 debut

Cadillac’s long-awaited arrival on the Formula 1 grid is no longer a distant promise –…

11 hours ago

Vowles notes Ferrari’s consistency, but questions SF-26 pace

Williams team boss James Vowles may not have had a car circulating at last week’s…

13 hours ago

McLaren unleash its IndyCar trio of 2026 contenders

Arrow McLaren has pulled the covers off its 2026 NTT IndyCar Series trio, unveiling all…

14 hours ago

The last of Grand Prix racing's privateers

Turning 70 on this day is Hector Rebaque, who was Mexico's last F1 driver for…

15 hours ago

Papaya rules reset: Piastri explains McLaren’s 2026 plan

Oscar Piastri has made one thing crystal clear ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign:…

16 hours ago