Italian GP: Toro Rosso Has Its Head Elsewhere

Last season, Toro Rosso achieved a true feat at Monza by securing pole position and victory. This feat was accomplished by Sebastian Vettel, who, in the process, became the youngest Grand Prix winner at the age of 21 years, 2 months, and 11 days.

It is unlikely that the team will repeat this performance this year; Toro Rosso has already been focused for a long time on 2010. They now have to design their own car, and Force India’s leap forward leaves them with little hope for this season. Nevertheless, Sébastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari have prepared for the race with their engineers through the simulator. And with no car developments in sight, scoring a point, which hasn’t happened since Monaco, would already be an achievement in itself.

Sébastien Buemi – Race Car Driver

« I was in Milton Keynes this Tuesday, to prepare for Monza on the simulator. It’s very realistic and after Monza, I would return to try Singapore and Suzuka as well. You sit in the cockpit of a mobile F1 single-seater, surrounded by a huge screen, and you really feel like you’re driving on the track. Since it’s not real, you can really push hard, going to the limit and beyond, because there’s no risk. But even knowing that, it’s always a bit strange to go off the track! »

During the week, we will test different settings with a minimum of aerodynamic downforce to suit the ultra-fast nature of the track. This is particularly useful, as Monza is the only track that requires so little downforce. This means the car will be very light when braking and extra caution is needed when accelerating again. We can simulate these conditions and get a feel for it before going on the actual track. »

Jaime Alguersuari – Racing Driver

« At the moment, I am still in a learning phase, entering F1 when no testing is allowed. Step by step, I am improving and every time I get in the car, I learn more. I would say that qualifying is the most difficult challenge for me at the moment, because everything has to fit perfectly on just one lap with a specific tire specification and a specific fuel load. If you don’t do a perfect lap on Saturday afternoon, your race is compromised and getting the best out of a new set of tires is the most difficult exercise for a newcomer. »

« Off the track, the way of working in Formula 1 is much more complex than in other formulas. There are many more technical meetings, and all the work on the media side. Now, after three races, it becomes more natural. I take great pleasure and can hardly believe that I am in F1. I am eager to race at Monza, as I love this track and have had good experiences there in the past. I just want to do a good job, keep improving, and go faster. »