Toro Rosso denies responsibility in recent Renault engine failures

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Toro Rosso has rejected accusations expressed by engine supplier Renault that its recent power unit failures were linked to how the engine was operated in its STR12 chassis.

The Faenza-based outfit endured a painful sequence of failures in Mexico City which hit both Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley, with additional breakdowns and malfunctions occurring yesterday in Brazil.

The failures have wreaked havoc on Renaut's inventory of spare engine parts, with Cyril Abiteboul saying the team's power unit status is now seriously marginal.

"These components have such a long lead time," said the Frenchman. "They cannot be built in two weeks."

Toro Rosso issued a statement Saturday denying the engineering of its STR12 car had anything to do with the recent sequence of failures, something Abiteboul apparently suggested.

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"It comes as a big surprise to the team that Cyril Abiteboul has suggested to the media that the problems Toro Rosso suffers with the power unit are primarily team related, and the way in which the power unit is operated in the STR12 chassis," Toro Rosso said.

"We would like to clarify that all the MGU-H and Shaft failures Toro Rosso has recently suffered are not associated with how the team is operating or with how the PU is integrated in the chassis.

"Nothing has been changed or altered in this installation during the 2017 season, other than cooling improvements mid-season.

"Since the summer break Toro Rosso has suffered continuous power unit related failures, and the resulting grid penalties has cost the team points and relative positions in the Constructors’ championship.

"One of the primary reasons for the issues we are seeing is the lack of new power unit parts available.

"In Toro Rosso’s case the team is constantly having to change parts from one PU to another during the weekend and, on many occasions, is forced to run old specification assemblies.

"The last race in Mexico saw only two cars out of six finish the race, highlighting the poor reliability.

"We mustn’t forget that they are fighting with Toro Rosso for a better position in the Constructors’ championship, as suggested by Mr Abiteboul the situation may not be a coincidence, but it is certainly not due to STR’s car."

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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.