Day 1 at Imola for STR

In theory, testing at Imola has certain advantages for Scuderia Toro Rosso, as the circuit is just a short drive from the Faenza factory and it should also give team and drivers a chance to learn about the track that hosts this year's San Marino Grand Prix. However, there was one big disadvantage today and that was the rain which came and went, ensuring the track was never dry.

Circuit : Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola - 4,933 km
Car : STR1-02
Driver: Neel Jani
Laps: 38
Best time: 1:36.420

But Chief Engineer, Laurent Mekies is evidently an optimist for whom the glass is always half full.
"It was quite a useful day in a way, as Neel had never really handled an F1 car in the wet," he said. "He never made a mistake and drove on both the "wet" and "extreme wet" tyres and that will be a valuable experience for him if he encounters these conditions during the season."

With the wet hampering any meaningful development work, the team took the opportunity to rehearse various race weekend procedures, such as what to do from the moment pit lane opens 30 minutes before the race to the start of the grand prix.

Tomorrow should see another milestone, as it will be the team's first two car test with Tonio Liuzzi and Scott Speed both on track in an STR 1 each.