Toro Rosso on the ragged edge with 2016 aero package

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Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost admitted that the Faenza-based outfit took a big chance with its aero package in 2016, to compensate for its 2015-spec Ferrari engine.

Toro Rosso struggled early on with straight-line speed, mainly as a result of its year-old power unit supplied by Maranello.

A new aero package was designed and introduced in Germany over the summer, but Tost admits the team's performance could have gone from bad to worse.

"We risked a lot," Tost told Autosport.

"We had to risk a lot and we came up with a completely new aero package. We had already a very good car on the aerodynamic side.

"With a new aero package we got more downforce and the car was better, but of course if you have more downforce sometimes there's a little more drag.

"The others made some progress with the power unit and everything together meant that we simply didn't have any more of a chance to be permanently close to them.

"We couldn't catch up any more, it was too much. There was no way to develop the chassis to a level that we successfully could compete against the other teams where the power unit as well was developed."

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By no means is Tost critical of Ferrari's supply of engines in 2016, even if the team has chosen to race with Renault power in 2017.

"It had nothing to do directly with Ferrari's power unit as it didn't drop off," said the Austrian.

"It was always the question mark for me because you must see that the output from the power unit was always the same, all over the season. Ferrari did a fantastic job, was always the same."

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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.