Carlos Sainz says he fully trusts Toro Rosso technical director James Key to make the most of 2017’s planned Formula One regulation changes and produce another strong chassis.
The British engineer has established a solid reputation in building competitive cars, having showcased his talents at Force India, Sauber before joining the Red Bull junior team in 2012.
With next year aiming to restore the balance between engine power and aerodynamics, Sainz, who was recently confirmed at Toro Rosso for 2017, is confident his team will benefit from F1’s latest rules revolution.
“I got full trust in James Key and his team because so far on the chassis side they have done a wonderful job,” the Spaniard said. “We should never forget that it’s a big change of regulations. Toro Rosso got them well in 2014. James Key got them quite well at Force India in 2009.
“So hopefully all of this together helps us be a bit of a surprise next year and be one of those teams in the upper part of the grid, that got it right. I trust them; there’s still a long way but we are in a good position.”
Besides adapting to new bodywork dimensions, Toro Rosso will also undergo a major change on the engine side, as the Faenza-based outfit prepares to rejoin parent team Red Bull in the Renault fold after a this season's hiatus racing year-old Ferrari power units.
“I think it’s going into the right direction,” Sainz commented. “I can only see positives in being linked even more with Red Bull. Red Bull always has one of the best rear ends of the grid. So to be able to enjoy closer links with them next year will be a step, that’s fort sure.”
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