Franz Tost: “Our Toro Rosso drivers have excellent potential”

The team principal of Toro Rosso, Franz Tost declared it to be Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne they have proven they can be “sparkling” in this season.

The team had a difficult start to the season, due to the lack of experience in the development of the car by its drivers, and in a competitive year like this Toro Rosso only collected 6 points, preceding only Caterham, Marussia and HRT. However, with Red Bull looking for a future world champion, Tost said he believes both have excellent potential.

“What I expect from a gifted driver is for him to show at least a spark. For me, Daniel did it in Bahrain, demonstrating that he knows how to take the car beyond the limit and Jean-Eric did it in Monaco. To be in seventh position at the first participation in a Monaco Grand Prix with an F1 car is truly remarkable!” Tost told the official F1 website.

Although the team's points came in the first two races, Tost said the drivers are living up to expectations.

“I have already said several times that for me Daniel and Jean-Eric really have great abilities and they both showed good performances. Daniel scored points in his first race with us in Melbourne finishing ninth, and Jean-Eric finished eighth in Sepang, which means they both have a lot of potential."

Tost added that he now expects Ricciardo and Vergne to become strong as the season goes on, but obviously the team needs to make sure they improve the car to make them comfortable.

“They both have some experience now, they know the team, the car and the weekend procedures better, so now it's up to us, the team, to provide them with a good car and take a step forward with the new updates. I am convinced that we will have a very satisfying second part of the season."

Stefano Rifici