Formula One news

Haug convinced Toro Rosso could go for podium

A lot has been said about Scuderia Toro Rosso's V10 engines. Many in the paddock feel it is completely unfair to see all teams using V8 engines, while Toro Rosso can use its V10. According to Mercedes Motorsport Director Norbert Haug they can even reach for a podium position in Bahrain.

"Scuderia Toro Rosso have more horsepower than us. That isn't a secret," Haug told reporters in Bahrain. "They could have up to 10 percent more power. They also have more torque now with their cars."

"I am not criticising that. They were strong in testing here and I am convinced they can go for a podium here."

Haug isn't a big fan of the V10 restrictions. Although he doesn't scream it out loud he does question the FIA rules regarding the V8 and V10 engines. "At the end of the day the FIA said it was going to regulate this engine. Toro Rosso will have an advantage now. Am I screaming or shouting? No, of course not, but if people ask me whether they have an advantage then I have to say yes."

"Due to our calculations they do get their advantage out on track. Look at the car. If it's not the Red Bull, it is very similar to last year's car. Look at the tyres, the reliability, and the tests they have done. These are factors."

more news

• 11 Oct.
  • Honda continues to struggle at Fuji
  • Photos: Saturday at Fuji
  • Mixed result at Red Bull Racing
  • Toyota team make it into top ten
  • Massa laments lack of grip
  • Hamilton happy on pole
  • Hamilton takes Japanese pole
  • Kubica on top in wet free practice
• 10 Oct.
  • Bridgestone expects grip to improve during the weekend
  • Buemi to steer medical car
  • Trouble-free day for McLaren
  • Positive day for Toro Rosso
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • Mixed Friday for BMW
  • Force India upbeat after practice
  • Honda looking for more pace
  • Ferrari happy with Friday progress
  • Government will try and safe Canadian Grand Prix
  • Strong start for Toyota at home track
  • Renault shows encouraging pace at Fuji
  • Nakajima enjoys first day at Fuji Speedway
  • Glock fastest on Friday
  • Photos: Friday at Fuji
  • Hamilton leads first practice in Japan
  • Nakajima pleased with his first F1 season so far
  • Barrichello's advise to Senna: Do not join Honda!
• 09 Oct.
  • Massa focused ahead of vital race weekend
  • Raikkonen hoping for better
  • Button still waiting for Honda's driver decision
  • Canadian GP dropped due to a 'commercial disagreement'
  • New engine for Glock
  • F1 drivers: It's a shame to see Canada go
  • Ecclestone outlines dramatic F1 engine plans
  • Hamilton: I'm stronger and in a better position
  • Alonso: BMW was never a serious option
  • Photos: Thursday at Fuji
  • Japanese Grand Prix technical preview
• 08 Oct.
  • Bridgestone to introduce green tyres in Japan
  • Senna hopes to join Toro Rosso or Honda
  • Di Resta to test McLaren at Silverstone

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