James Key to stay on as tech chief at Toro Rosso
Toro Rosso and their technical director James Key have announced an extension of their cooperation. Key is a highly respected technical chief in F1, and has continually managed to guide Toro Rosso into designing respectable packages since he joined the team in 2012.
The 45 year-old Englishman's work has involved overseeing the concept, design and manufacture of the Scuderia Toro Rosso cars from STR8 to this year's STR12, with work now well underway on the 2018 STR13. In his time with the team, personnel numbers have increased substantially and, apart from the actual task of producing a new car each year, Key has also played a pivotal role in getting the right people on board, and ensuring the smooth running of operations in Faenza and at the wind tunnel in Bicester (UK.)
"Formula 1 is a team sport, but one in which an individual can still make a difference", commented Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost.
"So far, in his time with us, James has proved that he can indeed make that difference, leading the technical side of the operation. Not only has he been adept at producing chassis-aero packages that are well regarded throughout the paddock, he has also shown the management skills necessary to get the most out of all the various departments that work together both here in Faenza and in Bicester. I am therefore delighted that James will be with us for the foreseeable future to continue this fruitful process."
James Key said to be delighted with the new agreement that sees him remain part of the Red Bull family.
"This is a team which I have great respect for and have thoroughly enjoyed working with for the past 5 years", Key said.
"Now I look forwards to continuing our project into the future. Scuderia Toro Rosso is unique, facing the challenges of being spread over two countries and fulfilling the roles of both a team in its own right and an important part of the Red Bull driver programme: they are challenges that the team takes in its stride and, whilst doing so, continues to grow and improve year on year. Most importantly, the people I have had the pleasure to work with at Scuderia Toro Rosso are second to none: professional, ambitious and focussed, they have all worked incredibly hard to improve the team's performance and will continue that hard work with the same dedication and optimism in the coming years too. I would like to thank Franz Tost and Red Bull for their continued support and confidence. We have more work to do, and I look forwards to taking the next steps with Toro Rosso towards our goals"
