Thursday: Reliability is on point at Toro Rosso, that’s something!

Starting a Grand Prix is never easy, even less so when it comes to the very demanding Monaco circuit. Nevertheless, reliability is important and when it’s there, why complain?

Buemi is delighted and will now focus on working to find better performance. As for Bourdais, reliability is also present, and he is looking for it. The Frenchman already fears the long stints and the very close rails of the circuit: something that does not displease the four-time Champcar champion.

The STR4 still has potential, and the drivers will work to improve performance. Good first day with the Toro Rosso team.

Sébastien Buemi – 11th and 15th:

« It was a good session and we tested everything we wanted, which is positive. We are still lacking rhythm, but progress was noticeable towards the end of the session, especially once the new tires were fitted. There is still potential in the car, we need to find it. »

« The other positive point is having encountered no problems with the single-seater. Neither regarding reliability nor accidents, which is always the key to a good weekend in Monaco. Concerning the tires, both specifications work well here and we now need to focus on finding the right setup with the new improved parts. »

Sébastien Bourdais – 14th and 16th:

The car was quite good in short stints but much less in long ones where the car’s handling made it difficult to maintain the same lap times. We completed our program for the day. We are suffering from a slight speed deficit, but overall we did our best in both sessions.

« We must analyze the data for Saturday and for the race because it seems that we need to be prepared for two types of requirements for short and long stints, which does not depend on the tires. It’s a very special circuit even though today we had to work hard to avoid getting too close to the rails. »