Toro Rosso: Ascanelli leaves, Key arrives

Officially, the Italian was on vacation, but many knew he would not return to work in Faenza. Paddock rumors echoed disagreements over the team’s future developments. Last night, Toro Rosso officially announced the departure of its technical director, who is resigning from his position.

« For almost five years, Giorgio [Ascanelli] has made a positive contribution to the development of our team. Particularly during the difficult transition period from a mere racing team to a full-fledged constructor. His experience has been very useful to us. We would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him the best for the future, » commented Franz Tost.

Giorgio Ascanelli also expressed his pride in the work accomplished over five years with the small team founded on the basis of the former Minardi team: « It was a very intense and very interesting period during which we managed the transition from a small team to a larger one, and everyone made a lot of efforts to bring us where we are today. We have sown the seeds of a future full of success, and I think the challenge for the team is now to have a regular presence in the mid-field. I wish Toro Rosso all the best for the future. »

Giorgio Ascanelli began his career in 1985 at Ferrari and it is rumored that he might return there in the near or distant future. In 27 years, the Italian has also worked with Benetton, McLaren, and Prost Grand Prix before joining Toro Rosso in 2008.

The name of his replacement within the small Scuderia is not unknown in F1: it is James Key, the father of the Sauber C31 which allowed Kamui Kobayashi to secure a spot on the second row of the starting grid at the Belgian Grand Prix. The Briton took up his duties at the beginning of the week in Faenza.

« I am very happy to join Toro Rosso after a few months away from Formula 1. It’s a great opportunity for me to join a team that seems extremely ambitious with very motivated people. Even after just a few days, I felt an enthusiasm to move forward from everyone I met, » explains James Key.

The arrival of the British engineer will have almost no impact on this season’s STR7, as the team has decided to halt the development of its current car, but Key intends to add his input to the future STR8 which is already under study.

« Our goal is to advance the team in terms of positions in the F1 hierarchy. Next year’s project is already well underway and seems to be going in the right direction, and we have a few months to ensure it will be a step forward compared to this year’s car. »

Toro Rosso is currently ninth in the Constructors’ Championship with 12 points, far behind Williams, which has 53 points and holds the eighth position in the standings.