Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsToro Rosso

"Ferrari engine worth a second a lap", says Verstappen

Max Verstappen thinks that his Toro Rosso bull will be energized this year by a full second a lap thanks to the team's switch from Renault to Ferrari power units.

Despite the reliability and performance woes which affected the Renault engine last year, Toro Rosso's STR10 chassis performed remarkably well in the hands of junior bulls Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz, often giving their seniors over at Red Bull Racing a good run for their money.

The 2016 switch to Ferrari power, which Toro Rosso actually used from 2007 to 2013, will instill even more confidence into the team's potential and boost its fortunes according to the 18-year-old Dutch prodigy.

"Things are looking good," Verstappen commented on his website.

"Of course you always aim to improve the car but the first signs do look promising. The STR10 was already very good in fast corners, so I'm looking forward to what this year's car brings.

"The Ferrari engine is probably the biggest step. I'm expecting a lot from it.

"I'm expecting to gain at least a second a lap because of the engine performance alone, which is a lot. So I think we can make bigger steps than our close rivals."

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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.