Tost: Toro Rosso happy to fulfill Red Bull 'guinea pig' role

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Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost says the Faenza-based squad is expected to continue its "guinea pig" development role for senior outfit Red Bull Racing in 2019.

Following its decision to partner with Honda for 2018, Toro Rosso paved the way for Red Bull in terms of development of the Japanese power unit before the Milton Keynes team's own switch to Honda power for next season.

Tost insists his team's support role is part of the technical relationship that exists between the two outfits which are both funded by the same parent company.

"We won’t have to have internal discussions about that; that’s part of our approach," said Tost.

"If we can help Red Bull win the title by being the guinea pig in terms of developments, then that’ll happen."

Gasly: Honda not on a par with rivals, but getting there

This year, Toro Rosso's drivers Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley were hit with more grid penalties then they likely care to remember, all for the sake of engine development and for Red Bull Racing's benefit.

Fielding cars powered by the same engine, the mutually beneficial Toro Rosso/Red Bull relationship will only get tighter in 2019.

"We’re happier with this role because we’ll see the fruits of our labour as well," Tost added.

"Not only in terms of the engine, but we’ll have advantages in other aspects as well.

"We are getting the complete rear end from Red Bull Technology.

"We fully exploit the synergies within the framework of the regulations and I expect a good performance improvement."

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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.