Buemi asks Toro Rosso for new STR5 chassis – report

Sebastien Buemi has asked his bosses at Toro Rosso if a new STR5 chassis can be built up for him ahead of the forthcoming Spanish grand prix.

The 21-year-old Swiss’ Ferrari-powered car had a brutal weekend in China, with the front suspension famously shattering on Friday before Vitantonio Liuzzi’s crashed into him at high speed in the race.

He was also smashed out of the Melbourne race on the first lap by Kamui Kobayashi’s Sauber.

France’s Auto Hebdo reports that the actual chassis did not suffer lasting damage in the shunts, but that Buemi has nonetheless asked for a new one for Barcelona and beyond.

The report said it is a “psychological” move so that Buemi can end his run of bad luck.

He joked to the Swiss newspaper Blick after China: “First I need to go and see the Pope and then to Lourdes.  I need to get better luck in some way!”

© RIF|GMM