Squadra Toro Rosso’s V10 Continues To Rankle
Written by George Katinger · January 22, 2006
Rankle all the other teams that will use V8s this year. At least that’s Mike Gascoyne’s take on the situation.
crash.net: Gascoyne angry at Toro Rosso ‘advantage’.
itv-f1.com: FRY: ENGINE RULES NOT SET IN STONE
The Toyota technical director has voiced his concerns, again, over the “unfair” advantage the former Minardi branded cars may have. Sayeth Michael:
“I don’t think it’s good that only one team is using a V10 engine,” Reuters reports Gascoyne as saying. “The rule was there for teams like Minardi who didn’t have the finances to get a competitive V8.
This is a problem which your not so humble race fan had previously noted. What surprises me is the fact that other teams are not prepared to exploit the same option. Unless the other teams are laying in the weeds and will spring their restricted V10s just prior to the opening race.
And if Mr. Gascoyne is so concerned over an “unfair” exploitation of the rules, let him supply V8s to STR as well as Midland. Accusations of unfair exploitation of the technical rules are misleading at best and unsporting at worst. The rule exists, they are not twisting or manipulating any of the provisions as Honda did with their fuel system last year. I equate the carping on the same level as the criticism Ferrari recieve for their use of unlimited testing. The rules allow it, stop whining because they work within the frame work of the regulations.
The regulation in question states:
“During 2006 and 2007, teams which cannot obtain a 2.4 litre engine will be able to use a 3 litre V10 with power restricted by means of a rev limit fixed by the FIA.
Explanation: this will ensure that all teams (including new entrants) have access to a competitive engine, even if supplies of the new 2.4 are initially restricted”
The cause of much bickering will no doubt be over interpretation of the term “cannot obtain.” Does that mean cannot afford or not have access to? I’m sure Cosworth will be more than happy to sell their V8 to STR. Frank Williams can afford it, so why can’t the newly cash endowed STR? I think Gascoyne’s principal bitch is that the phrase “cannot obtain” will preclude any one who has developed a V8 from using the V10.
In any event, the other teams should focus on their own engine and car development, and let STR have a moment of competitive glory, if it works out that way. Paul Stoddart will be pleased!
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Good luck to STR, they were smart enough to buy Minardi (I didn’t see the manufacturers lining up to buy & run a second team) & it came with a clause in its race deal that allows it to run the rev restricted V10 (I didn’t see the manufacturers lining to supply Minardi with a V8), it’s called making a good deal or purchasing a undervalued asset.
As for Gascoyne, I don’t know what he’s bitching about, with the budget & resources Toyota has, why should he be worried about one independent team when he is meant to be taking on the manufacturers? Is this an admission that he sees Toyota fighting for the last few points, awarded to 7 th & 8 th, in the mid field & views STR as a threat? If so, go STR go!!! Red Bull are continuing on with what Minardi always did, providing new hopefuls a ride in F1 eg Weber, Fisi, Trulli, Alonso. How many manufactures are running a second string team for new talent? Please! Nobody post Super Aguri as a candidate or I will tear my hair out.