The STR4 is truly unique according to Ascanelli

Toro Rosso’s technical director, Giorgio Ascanelli, insists on the authenticity of the STR4; The Italian team’s new car is not a repainted Red Bull RB5! It is different and has its own characteristics.

The two single-seaters, beyond being unveiled on the 9th day of the month; February 9, 2009 for Red Bull and March 9, 2009 for Toro Rosso, also have other similarities. They share the same main sponsor, Red Bull, and therefore have very similar colors. But most importantly, the two single-seaters are designed in the same place. In Milton Keynes, an English town located about a hundred kilometers northwest of London.

Consequently, both teams have the same technical components. However, one point differs: the engine. Red Bull has the Renault V8 unit, while Toro Rosso has the Ferrari V8. According to Ascanelli, this difference makes these two cars completely different “beings.”

« In fact, the Red Bull Technology Center defines the basic elements; the general characteristics of the single-seater such as the wheelbase, length, width… » declared Ascanelli.

« However, we do not have the same engine and that is where the comparison ends. A different engine means a different reservoir, different fuel supply, an adapted gearbox, and above all, a modified design. All of this makes our STR4 a unique car. »

« The engines are different. Therefore, the cooling systems are different too. Consequently, the single-seater needs more or less air intake, and all of this will influence the design. These specifications are made in Faenza [Toro Rosso factory, Italy] and are specific to the STR4. The same goes for the gearbox. » Concludes the 50-year-old Italian.

The Team Manager of the team, Gianfranco Fantuzzi added: « Nearly 100% of the parts that make up the STR4 single-seater are made by us. Our workshop in Faenza develops more than 14,000 designs. Even though at the beginning we used those from Red Bull and Carbotec in Austria, this is the first year we are doing everything ourselves in Faenza and the result should be on point. »

In fact, 2009 is the transition year for Scuderia Toro Rosso. Starting in 2010, customer teams will be banned; only engines can be purchased elsewhere. Therefore, Toro Rosso has maximized its capabilities to develop the new STR4, although it received significant assistance from the parent team, Red Bull Racing.

To form your own opinion about the similarities between the two single-seaters, click on the adjacent image.