Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has put the pressure on his junior F1 team, demanding that Toro Rosso improves in 2013.
Speaking to new FIA magazine AUTO, Mateschitz said: “Toro Rosso is still our rookie team and its goals differ from those of Red Bull Racing. But that’s not to say we’re happy with the development of the car.
“Significant improvements need to be found and are being called for.â€
In the year just finished Toro Rosso collected a total of 26 points (Jean-Eric Vergne 16, Daniel Riccardo 10). That was enough to claim ninth place in the constructors’ championship, last of the teams to score championship points; there were only 12 teams in 2012.
In contrast, Toro Rosso’s 2011 season was deemed poor enough to sack both of its drivers. Yet, they finished eighth in the constructors’ title with 41 points (Jaime Alguersuari 26, Sebastien Buemi 15).
Toro Rosso has shown patience by giving Ricciardo and Vergne contract extensions for 2013. Although, both are now on notice that they need to improve next year to have confidence of continuing in 2014.
With expectations that Mark Webber will retire at the end of next year that opens the path to promotion into Red Bull Racing for 2014.
[Source: crash.net | Pic:Â Toro Rosso/Getty Images]
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