Toro Rosso STR8

Toro Rosso STR8
Jean-Éric Vergne in his STR8 during the Malaysian Grand Prix
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorToro Rosso
Designer(s)James Key (Technical Director)[1]
Luca Furbatto (Chief Designer)
Nicolò Petrucci (Head of Aerodynamics)
PredecessorToro Rosso STR7
SuccessorToro Rosso STR9
Technical specifications[2][3]
ChassisMoulded carbon fibre composite monocoque incorporating front and side impact structures
Suspension (front)Upper and lower carbon wishbones, torsion bar Sachs springs and anti roll bars, pushrod suspension
Suspension (rear)As front but pullrod
Length5,100 mm (201 in; 17 ft)
Width1,800 mm (71 in; 6 ft)
Height950 mm (37 in; 3 ft)
WheelbaseOver 3,100 mm (122 in; 10 ft)
EngineFerrari Tipo 056 (2012-spec) 2,398 cc (146 cu in) V8 (90°) naturally-aspirated, 18,000 RPM limited with KERS, mid-mounted
TransmissionRed Bull Technology 7-speed hydraulic actuated sequential paddle shift
Power750 + 80 hp (559 + 60 kW) with KERS
Weight642 kg (including driver and camera)
FuelShell V-Power[note 1]
LubricantsShell Helix[note 1]
TyresPirelli P Zero (dry), Cinturato (wet)[4]
Competition history
Notable entrantsScuderia Toro Rosso
Notable drivers18. France Jean-Éric Vergne[5]
19. Australia Daniel Ricciardo[5]
Debut2013 Australian Grand Prix
Last event2013 Brazilian Grand Prix
RacesWinsPodiumsPolesF/Laps
190000

The Toro Rosso STR8[6] (initially referred to as the Toro Rosso STR08)[7] is a Formula One racing car designed and built by Scuderia Toro Rosso for use in the 2013 Formula One season. It was driven by Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Éric Vergne,[5] both of whom drove for the team in 2012.[8]

This was the last Toro Rosso car to use a Ferrari engine since 2007 before switching to Renault for 2014 Formula One season and the last Toro Rosso car to use a V8 engine.

Season summary

The STR8 proved to be quite unreliable throughout the season, particularly in the European rounds, culminating in an embarrassing hydraulic failure failure at the 2013 Italian Grand Prix courtesy of Jean-Éric Vergne. However, the mid-season proved the effectiveness of the chassis: on a circuits where engine power is not so vital, the cars were competitive and scored a highest finish at 6th place courtesy of Jean-Éric Vergne by a salvation.

Daniel Ricciardo during qualifying in the Singapore Grand Prix

The poor performance of the Ferrari engine caused Franz Tost to look for an alternative. Discussions for a deal with Renault came into fruition and eventually Toro Rosso would switch their allegiance to Renault engines from 2014 season onwards.[9]

The team eventually finished a respectable eighth in the Constructors' Championship, with 33 points.

Complete Formula One results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position; results in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Engine Tyres Drivers Grands Prix Points WCC
AUS MAL CHN BHR ESP MON CAN GBR GER HUN BEL ITA SIN KOR JPN IND ABU USA BRA
2013 Scuderia Toro Rosso Ferrari Type 056 P France Jean-Éric Vergne 12 10 12 Ret Ret 8 6 Ret Ret 12 12 Ret 14 18† 12 13 17 16 15 33 8th
Australia Daniel Ricciardo Ret 18† 7 16 10 Ret 15 8 12 13 10 7 Ret 19† 13 10 16 11 10

† Driver failed to finish the race, but was classified as they had completed greater than 90% of the race distance.

Notes

  1. ^ a b Despite CEPSA is an oil and gas company as a major sponsor of Scuderia Toro Rosso since mid-2011 season, the CEPSA branding appears on the STR8, but the car uses Shell V-Power fuels and Shell Helix lubricants.[3]

References

  1. ^ "Key replaces Ascanelli at Toro Rosso". Formula1.com. Formula One Administration. 6 September 2012. Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  2. ^ Rosso, Scuderia Toro. "Scuderia Toro Rosso".
  3. ^ a b "Toro Rosso confirms deals with Cepsa, Nova". motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. 6 September 2011. Archived from the original on 21 June 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2011.
  4. ^ Noble, Jonathan; Beer, Matt (11 December 2013). "F1 teams expert enough to avoid early tyre struggles – Ross Brawn". Autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  5. ^ a b c Collantine, Keith (31 October 2012). "Toro Rosso resigns Ricciardo and Vergne for 2013". f1fanatic.co.uk.
  6. ^ "2013 starts now". Red Bull. 25 November 2012. Archived from the original on February 16, 2013. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  7. ^ Nugnes, Franco (29 December 2012). "Toro Rosso: niente doppio fondo e sospensione pull" [Toro Rosso: no double bottom and pull suspension]. Omnicorse.it (in Italian). Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  8. ^ "Ricciardo earns Toro Rosso ride". The Australian. News Limited. Agence France-Presse. 15 December 2011. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  9. ^ "Scuderia Toro Rosso to use Renault power unit from 2014". Motorsport.com. 26 May 2013. Archived from the original on 16 December 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
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