James Key extends contract with Toro Rosso

Toro Rosso tech boss James Key has extended his contract with the Faenza-based outfit.

The 45 year-old Englishman has been with Toro Rosso for the past five years, since joining in September 2012.

Within  that period, Key has overseen the concept, design and manufacture of the Scuderia Toro Rosso cars from STR8 to this year’s STR12, with work now well underway on the 2018 STR13.

The news also puts to rest rumors of Key's move to Williams.

"I am delighted to continue with Toro Rosso and remain part of the Red Bull family," Key said.

"This is a team which I have great respect for and have thoroughly enjoyed working with for the past 5 years; now I look forwards to continuing our project into the future.

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"STR is unique, facing the challenges of being spread over two countries and fulfilling the roles of both a team in its own right and an important part of the Red Bull driver programme.

"They are challenges that the team takes in its stride and, whilst doing so, continues to grow and improve year on year.

"Most importantly, the people I have had the pleasure to work with at STR are second to none: professional, ambitious and focussed, they have all worked incredibly hard to improve the team’s performance and will continue that hard work with the same dedication and optimism in the coming years too.

"I would like to thank Franz Tost and Red Bull for their continued support and confidence. We have more work to do, and I look forwards to taking the next steps with Toro Rosso towards our goals."

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