- New engine, new era, for Honda F1
- Rookie drivers have formidable histories
- Eight days of testing near Barcelona
BARCELONA, Spain – Honda and its new racing partner Toro Rosso have unveiled their 2018 Honda-powered Formula 1 car (STR13) and their drivers at the Catalunya Circuit near this ancient city.
They will be driven by Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley in the Formula 1 championship under Red Bull livery and started eight days of testing today (Feb 26 2018) along with the other nine F1 teams.
The first 2918 race will, as usual, be in Melbourne, Australia on March 25.
Scuderia Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost told The Corner in a media release: “I’m really looking forward to this new era for our team and Honda. It’s an exciting time for Toro Rosso – we’ve never had our own engine supplier with Honda’s history.
‘HIGH-LEVEL DRIVING’
”We have two accomplished – though not completely new – rookies. Brendon drove a handful of races for us in 2017, Gasly won the 2016 GP2 (now F2) championship and Hartley the World Endurance champion and Le Mans 24 Hours of Le Mans winner.
”If we give them competitive F1 cars they will perform at very high level.”
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Katsuhide Moriyama, brand and communication boss with Honda Motor, was also enthusiastic: “I’m delighted that our new car is ready for winter testing – and from a very tight schedule. Thats a tribute to the dedication of the Honda and Scuderia Toro Rosso personnel.
”Now we have eight track days to evaluate our work.”
Carman's Corner 