Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsToro Rosso

Early 2016 races will be crucial - Sainz

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Carlos Sainz believes Toro Rosso will have to perform straight out of the box in early 2016, and make the most out of its first races.

The Faenza squad switches from Renault to Ferrari power next season, but with a year-old engine likely to remain unchanged, lack of in-season development could hinder Toro Rosso's progress in the second part of the year.

"This is the main thing, that probably the first half of the season will be the most important for us, when we need to maximise what we have," Sainz told Motorsport.com.

"The second half will be a bit more difficult, obviously. Especially after looking at this year, there was a lot of in-season development. Also we noticed with Renault that we had the same power for the full season.

"Toro Rosso at the beginning of the season was up there, and then little by little we went backwards. So it will be all about maximising the first half, I think."

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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.