Daniil Kvyat says using current-spec Renault power units in 2017 will mean the end of a “strong disadvantage” for Toro Rosso after racing year-old engines.
The Faenza-based outfit switched to Renault power in 2014 but growing tensions between the French supplier and Red Bull meant that its junior team returned to the Ferrari fold following a late agreement.
Toro Rosso enjoyed a strong start to its 2016 campaign, courtesy of its efficient James Key-designed STR11 chassis, but the team’s performance tailed off in the second half of the year.
“It’s always going to be like that but we can’t really say anything about Ferrari,” said Daniil Kvyat, who started last season with a Renault engine at the back of his Red Bull before using Ferrari power once he was demoted to Toro Rosso.
“It was a decent, reliable and efficient engine. The team obviously knew it was not going to be easy in the last few races with the lack of development.”
Renault made significant strides on the engine front in 2016, earning praise from Red Bull as it raced to second in the Constructors' championship.
The energy drinks giant and French manufacturer thus decided to extend their partnership until the end of 2018, with Toro Rosso also included in the deal.
“[This] year of course we’re getting the current spec of Renault engine so it should of course be one strong disadvantage removed,” Kvyat added.
“We cannot influence the engine too much anyway, so it will be up to us to then have a much better influence on the things we can influence. Hopefully it’s the chassis and tyre preparation side.”
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