Long live AlphaTauri, Toro Rosso is no more! While we desperately hoping that after the enigmatic Italian prog-rock band of the 70s. Franz Tost had called his squad. It is rather more prosaically a reference to a Red Bull-owned clothing line. That aside, in Faenza, it is very business-as-usual. While undertaking-as-usual dressed in a spiffy new livery.
DO SAY: More podium finishes in 2020?
Last year, Toro Rosso built up a good momentum and that hope and confidence would carry over into the new season. Toro banged in two last year, having scored only one podium in their first 13 seasons.
With each release, their Honda engines were getting better and the team went through the second half of the season expecting points to be earned at each race.
The AT01 this year provides the indication that it is a revolutionary move from last year’s STR14. And drivers from AlphaTauri, like their Red Bull Racing counterparts, persuaded that Honda produces more horsepower.
DON’T SAY: Contest looks a lot harder
Toro was obviously punching above their weight last year and while that can work in short bursts, the heavy batters would eventually land one on you. While AlphaTauri is making all the right noises about advancement. They will have their job cut-out holding on to sixth, with McLaren, Renault and Racing Point all looking a little more race-ready in Barcelona.
DO SAY: A Best line up of drivers ever!
Although F1 has nine teams dedicated exclusively to defeat all the others, the aim of AlphaTauri is not only to excel themselves but also to help Red Bull achieve their goals. Its schtick is to take the inexperienced pilots. Wipe off the sharp edges and then yield to the sister team their budding abilities.
Nonetheless, the rhythm was reversed at the time, giving AlphaTauri the most seasoned line-up it’s ever. It should remember that while Alex Albon looked good at RBR. Dany Kvyat cleaned his clock all the way to last year’s summer break.
