Toro Rosso adjusting to new rubber

The Scuderia Toro Rosso finished its first week of winter testing today at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona today. Just like all the other teams, the sister team of Red Bull was focussing on the Bridgestone tyres.

"It was like the first days back at school," reckoned our Chief Engineer Laurent Mekies, speaking at the end of Scuderia Toro Rosso's first test session since the testing ban following the final race of the season. We don't know what sort of school he went to, but it must have been very smart if he used to play with very expensive race cars in Spain!

As was the case for all teams taking part, tyres, specifically the Bridgestone Potenza tyres were the main focus, as Bridgestone will be the sole tyre supplier for the 2007 Formula 1 season. "Our aim was to understand all the implications of switching to a new tyre supplier," continued Mekies. "Bridgestone seems to be making a big effort despite the lack of competition. "We carried out some fairly basic tests as it was our first run on these tyres and let's say there were no bad surprises. It was vital to try and separate the results of car performance and tyre performance, in order to understand what data will still be relevant when we run with next year's car. The drivers also had to adapt their driving styles to suit the new rubber."

Next week, Scuderia Toro Rosso continues tyre testing at the Jerez circuit, this time with both drivers, but just one car, when Bridgestone will have a softer compound on
hand for evaluation.