Renault Running Hot

After such a dismal Jerez test for the Renault powered cars, suggestions are surfacing as to what the causes of the issues are. It seems as though the Renault engine has required more cooling than the likes of the Mercedes or Ferrari equivalents which has caused significant issues for both Red Bull and Toro Rosso. The plot thickened on the final day, when the Renault powered Caterham managed to record 30 laps without engine issues. So, how have Caterham minimized the problems?

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Image Credit: p_c_w (via flickr)

Toro Rosso STR9 Unveiling

As excitement for the first test grows with the hours ticking down until the first green light of 2014, Toro Rosso became the first team to unveil their new machinery in Jerez, revealing the STR9. Again, it is a story of hideous nose designs, with this one standing out as being particularly aesthetically concerning. Jean Eric Vergne and Daniil Kvyat will have to develop keen spacial awareness to avoid damaging the outstretched tip of the front wing. Its certainly not a 'looker', but Toro Rosso will hope the STR9 can be a step forward from a innocuous campaign.

Toro Rosso have the most radical nose design yet, but will it point them to glory?

Check out Sky Sports F1's gallery picturing Toro Rosso's 2014 challenger. 

2013 Team Reviews: Toro Rosso

It is difficult to judge how Toro Rosso will assess their season and I would be willing to suggest that the conclusions would vary depending on who you speak to. For Jean Eric Vergne, 2013 was a year of midfield obscurity, where the Frenchman rarely made the headlines. Meanwhile, for Daniel Ricciardo, it was mission accomplished as he made a successful graduation to Red Bull to take the place of Mark Webber, while scoring a rather modest 20 points. However, with a graduate from the junior team to the top, should 2013 be considered a success for the team regardless of the disappointing points tally?

Kvyat Claims Toro Rosso Seat

Despite all of the anticipation surrounding a seemingly imminent arrival of Antonio Felix Da Costa at Toro Rosso for 2014, the big news on Monday night came as a great surprise to the F1 community as a whole. Rather than Da Costa, Toro Rosso announced that 19-year-old GP3 star Daniil Kyvat would claim the seat alongside the Red Bull reject Jean Eric Vergne for 2014. This has led to widespread debate; is Kyvat ready for Formula One after just one season in GP3 and why has Antonio Felix Da Costa been rejected.

How Strong Are The Next Generation?

Thankfully, last weeks Young Drivers Test failed to be overshadowed by the subject of Pirelli tyres. Consequently, it was a vital opportunity for the young protagonists in junior formula to showcase their array of talents. The performances were clinical and impressive from several drivers in particular and the resounding opinion from around the paddock is that these drivers will get their chance in the sport. However, the question is, how long will it be before they receive their career defining opportunity and will this be yet another golden generation of drivers?