May 27 (GMM) Toro Rosso is moving to receive up-to-date engines from Ferrari in 2017.
This year, after the collapse of the semi-works relationship between team owner Red Bull and Renault, Toro Rosso moved to 2015-spec Ferrari power this year.
It means the Faenza team, whilst having one of the best cars on the grid, is being held back by an out-of-date power unit that is not being developed.
Despite that, Toro Rosso continues to shine, including on Thursday in Monaco where Carlos Sainz told Spanish reporters: “It’s a little surprising to be ahead of teams like Ferrari and McLaren here but it’s only Thursday.”
Keen to keep progressing in 2017, Toro Rosso’s technical chief James Key on Thursday admitted the team wants to ramp up its relationship with Ferrari next year.
In a new process so that teams are no longer left without engine suppliers, manufacturers have had to indicate early who their customers for the following season will be, and it is understood Toro Rosso is sticking with Ferrari.
“As far as what we have for next year, I think we’re happy,” Key said in Monaco.
“Not that there’s anything wrong with our current supply but it’s not developing, it’s a year-old unit.
“Ferrari are doing a great job to support us with it,” Key added, “but it would be nice to be current and have a developing unit.”