Team to use year-old Ferrari power units in 2016 instead of Renault
Monday 11 January 2016 12:42, UK
Max Verstappen expects Toro Rosso to gain a second per lap in 2016 by switching from Renault to Ferrari power.
The Italian team will use a 2015-spec Ferrari power unit this season after two years battling with an underperforming Renault engine.
Despite not having the current specification from Ferrari, Verstappen is still expecting Toro Rosso to close the gap to those ahead.
"The Ferrari engine is probably the biggest step. I'm expecting a lot from it," Verstappen said on his official website.
"A big gain on the engine front makes everything a lot easier. I expect to gain about a second a lap because of engine performance alone, which is a lot. So I think we can make bigger steps then our close rivals."
As for the car itself, Verstappen is confident the STR11 will carry over the positives of the STR10 that allowed him to star in his rookie campaign.
"Things are looking good. Of course you always aim to improve the car but the first signs do look promising," he added.
"The STR10 was already very good in fast corners, so I'm looking forward what this year's car brings."
The first pre-season test takes place at the Circuit de Catalunya on the outskirts of Barcelona on February 22-25, with the final four days of running on March 1-4 at the same venue.
