F1 team review - Toro Rosso

"After the highs of last year, when Sebastian Vettel won for the team at Monza, Toro Rosso are probably back to where they were in the days of Minardi.

"But you have to commend them, even if it's just for discovering and nurturing Vettel.

"Of their 2009 drivers, it looks as if Sebastien Buemi has the potential to go forward. Jamie Alguersuari has another year to do before we can make a full assessment of his talent.

"This is the best feeder team in F1, which is what parent company Red Bull have it for, and it will probably continue to be that, as Red Bull will need a new driver in 2011 if Mark Webber decides to retire, or move on.

"The driver development business is very important for Formula 1 and they are the ideal people to do that. But I cannot see any prospect of them winning races or annexing a pole position."

Can you explain your team's philosophy in three words?
Passion, discipline and commitment.

Why do Toro Rosso race?
As a team involved in any sport, we race to win.

As a business, Red Bull created this team to promote its product to increase sales. F1 is a great shop window, as its viewing figures are huge and it is a truly global sport.

TORO ROSSO FACTS AND STATS Debut season 2006 Drivers: Jaime Alguersuari Sebastien Buemi Nationality: Italian and Austrian Headquarters Faenza (Italy) Team owner: Dietrich Mateschitz Team principal: Franz Tost Technical director: Giorgio Ascanelli Engine: Ferrari V8 Total Grands Prix wins: 1 2008 position: 6th Constructors' titles: 0

What is special about Toro Rosso?

Toro Rosso is special for several reasons, starting with the fact that we are one of the smallest, if not the smallest team on the grid.

But I don't like to say we are the underdog, because that suggests we are not capable of beating the others.

Along with Red Bull Racing, we are the only two teams owned by the same company and we were created to give youngsters, who have come up through the lower formulae, as part of the Red Bull Junior Driver programme, a chance to reach the top level of motor racing.

What is the team's status in Formula 1?
Your status is defined by how well you do, how many races and championships you have won. So, at the moment, we are not seen as a top team.

What is the team's image?
The team's image, after four years in the sport, is now a mix of the image it inherited from its parent company Red Bull - which means it is a bit different to the rest, is fiercely competitive, but also likes to have a smile on its face - combined with the image it has developed from the people who work here.

Because a team is about the people, it definitely has an Italian feel to it.

Why should people support Toro Rosso?
Because we are a straightforward and friendly team, because we are a small team fighting bigger ones, because we have a sense of fun.

And because it is easy to remember our drivers' names, as they are both called Sebastien!

If your team were an animal what would it be?
We are called Toro Rosso, which is Italian for Red Bull, so what else could we be?

What does a team boss do?
He leads the team.

What is the most difficult thing about being a team boss? Recruiting a team with specialised knowledge, which works well together; finding the money to run such a team and creating visions for the future.

Are you worried about the future of F1?
F1 is not immune to the current recession, so there is cause for concern. But, I feel the sport has reacted well and recent initiatives worked out by the governing body the FIA along with Fota, the team association, should see F1 emerge from this difficult period in better shape than before.

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