New Toro Rosso car to debut at first test

Toro Rosso has confirmed that its 2010 car will be given its track debut as soon as the current testing ban lifts at the end of the month.

The first group test of the pre-season kicks off at Valencia on 1 February, and a spokeswoman for the Toro Rosso team told ITV that the STR5 is scheduled to be there.

The Ferrari-powered car is the first single seater that has been fully designed and built by Toro Rosso at its Faenza factory, having in the past used the basic design of the Adrian Newey-led Red Bull Technology.

“Toro Rosso will start the winter testing in Valencia on 1 February and we are planning to do it with the STR5,” the spokeswoman said.

Ironically, the Red Bull Technology car, to be raced only by Red Bull Racing this year for the first time, will be absent from Valencia.

“Sure it’s disappointing,” Sebastian Vettel told F1’s official website.  “It’s much better to spend time in the wind tunnel and on the design of the new car, so I am perfectly happy with this.”

The Toro Rosso spokeswoman, meanwhile, said there is no news about the identity of Sebastien Buemi’s teammate for the 2010 season, amid speculation Jaime Alguersuari may be replaced.

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