Key considers drivers' experience a big asset for Toro Rosso

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Toro Rosso's drivers may still reside in the pen devoted to junior bulls, but experience is a big advantage says tech boss James Key.

This year, Carlos Sainz embarks on his third full season of F1 racing while Dany Kvyat begins his fourth, almost elevating the pair to seasoned veterans, and certainly enhancing the Faenza-based outfit's level of experience.

James Key believes the ability for Toro Rosso to rely on its drivers' very complete expertise, including precise and efficient feedback, is an undisputable asset this season.

"When you do rack up the mileage in the early days as we have, having them is definitely a benefit,” Key said.

“It's not just the ability to give the feedback when they are running and that sort of the thing, it's also the maturity of knowing where they are, getting a feeling for things, looking at it in a very analytical way and then adjusting according to circumstances.

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Key insists its drivers' experience is an asset which no rookie driver can provide no matter how talented he may be.

"I think when you have a rookie it's much more difficult because they want to get out there and they know they've got a lot to learn."

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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.