Tost sticks to his guns: 'Renault started engine nonsense'

Toro Rosso's Franz Tost won't apologize for the comments directed at engine supplier Renault which ignited a war of words between the team and the French manufacturer.

Following a disastrous series of engine failures which have impacted the Faenza-based outfit lately, Renault's Cyril Abiteboul hinted at mistakes made by Toro Rosso as the root cause for its successive power unit breakdowns.

Toro Rosso issued a statement on Saturday rejecting the claims in no uncertain terms, while Red Bull's Helmut Marko, who was seen in a lively discussion with Abiteboul in the Interlagos paddock, attempted to ease the tensions, insisting he had no doubts about its supplier's integrity and fairness.

Speaking to the media at Interlagos Saturday afternoon, Tost stood by his comments however, saying he had nothing to apologise for.

Toro Rosso denies responsibility in recent Renault engine failures

"In the interview yesterday he blamed the team [Toro Rosso], which is absolutely wrong. If we do something that is not OK then we tell it," Tost said.

"If the MGU-H or shaft fail, it is nothing to do with the installation of the power unit and we have not changed anything regarding the installation of the power unit from the beginning of the season. This is what we wanted to make clear.

“What for should I apologise? For all the damages we have? I am as well upset. Both are upset. Who started with all this nonsense? Cyril yesterday with this stupid interview.

Should I say ‘fine, good interview, we accept it’? No, we don’t accept it, and that’s why we came out with this statement. Nothing to say.”

Tost clearly laid the blame for Toro Rosos's failures at Renault's door, claiming the re-use of old elements by its engine supplier, even when taking grid penalties, wreaked havoc on its engines' reliability.

"We are also not happy with the situation. The fact is, we don’t get new parts," Tost said.

"We are just changing old parts from one power unit to the next part, and therefore we are suffering. If we change from one old engine to another engine with old parts, then you cannot expect the reliability reaches a high level."

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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.