Formula One news

Bourdais encouraged by STR3 debut

On Wednesday, Scuderia Toro Rosso started a two day test, running the new STR3 car for the first time. Having started this season with a modified version of the 2007 car, (STR2B) the plan was to introduce the new car as from the Turkish Grand Prix in two races time. 

However, these plans might have to be changed as the new car was very badly damaged in a testing accident on Wednesday. Fortunately, Sebastien Bourdais, who was at the wheel, is perfectly okay and did not require any medical attention whatsoever, but he did serious damage to the car with a heavy crash. The cause of the incident is being investigated by the team's engineers. 

"The base line is quiet good and I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised," said Bourdais. "However, the track conditions might be extremely good so I need to be careful with everything I say but so far the car has had no problems at all, which is a very encouraging point. The feeling is good and I felt comfortable in the car straight away. From a driving point of view you can feel it has more downforce than the current one and it's a big step forward on the aero package." 

As the team always planned to continue with STR2B in the Spanish Grand Prix, this incident has no affect on preparation for the next round of the world championship.

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