Assessment: Another Weekend of Failure for Toro Rosso

Within the youngest team on the F1 grid at the end of the 2009 season, the Valencia weekend was difficult. Scuderia Toro Rosso, with cars on the same level as Red Bull, failed to stand out. One retirement and a 16th place finish was the sad outcome of this race weekend in Spain.

Jaime Alguersuari at home for this Grand Prix did not capture the spectators’ attention, too focused on Alonso. He finished 16th with still two drivers behind him, one of whom suffered a puncture (Nakajima). Sébastien Buemi’s race was reduced to nothing at the first corner when his front wing was torn off. He returned to the pit immediately, but the brakes were surely damaged, and his brake disc failed, leaving him on the sidelines. He retired. Disappointment indeed, but another chance is given in a week at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

Jaime Alguersuari – 16th:

« It was much more difficult for me than Hungary because of the heat and humidity. In the last ten laps, I had a problem with my water supply system, which means I couldn’t drink. It was really tough, and I did my best to finish and bring the car back. On the positive side, I have a lot more mileage now, and I hope that helps me at Spa, where at least it won’t be as hot.

Sébastien Buemi – Retirement:

My race was determined at the start. I will watch the race to see exactly what happened. I switched to the inside to try to avoid the bottleneck and Glock accelerated, he hit my wing which obviously broke. I lost time getting back to the pits and that meant my race was over. I had potential for this race but quickly had braking issues and the brake disc exploded and I had to park the car. The last race weekends haven’t been good, but we have to stay positive. The car seems to have improved, and we have the potential to do better. Let’s see at Spa.

Franz Tost – Director

« Unfortunately for Buemi, his race was indeed decided at the first corner with a collision with Glock and then the loss of his front wing. He had to go into the pits to change his nose and it is assumed that the accident also damaged his brakes, leading to his retirement. Alguersuari did a good job to finish under difficult conditions because we must not forget that this is only his second F1 race. »