Toro Rosso were the second team to release their contender the STR14 to the world after announcing that Alexander Albon and Daniil Kvyat will be driving for them in the 2019 FIA Formula One World Championship season.

The STR14 is an important one for the Faenza-based squad, following the announcement that Toro Rosso and Red Bull will increase their technical co-operation for 2019. This will see both outfits share the same rear end – which includes the Honda power-train that Red Bull will switch to this season, including electrical and hydraulic components, gearbox and rear suspension along with some parts of the front suspension.

In theory this should help Toro Rosso improve after a solid 2018 season, which saw them finish ninth in the Constructors Championship with some punchy performances most notably Pierre Gasly’s stunning fourth place at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

“The aim is to always improve in order to compete at the highest possible level and this winter we have worked intensively to bring a few organizational changes, which we hope will help smooth a few issues we experienced in the past.” explained Team Principal Franz Tost. “We have analysed all the internal procedures in order to optimize our strengths and minimize our weaknesses.”

“Compared to other teams, Toro Rosso count on a smaller number of people, but the synergies with Red Bull Technology for the non-listed parts, now that Aston Martin Red Bull Racing will also be equipped with the Honda Engine, will leave more time for our technical working groups to focus more on the details. Attention to detail makes the difference and this translates to more performance.”

On the championship season ahead Tost said: “In regards to our performance, as is always the case before the start of a season, it’s too early to say and we don’t want to set a specific target – at least not now.”

“All things considered, the quality of the synergies with Red Bull Technology, the belief in our very high level of in-house technical knowledge, the impressive development trajectory Honda has shown so far, and the couple of strong young drivers we have available make me feel confident we will put ourselves in a strong midfield position in the Championship.” Tost concluded.

Both Albon and Kvyat will get to experience the taste of their new STR14 when Formula One’s first pre-season test begins at the Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya on Monday February 18.

Williams’ new title sponsor and livery breaks cover

Williams Racing announced ROKiT, a global telecommunications company on a multi-year deal as their major title-sponsor and unveiled a stunning new blue, black and white livery for the 2019 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.

The newly revised livery was presented on last year’s FW41 racer at the team’s Grove-base on Monday. Fans will have to wait that extra little bit longer to see the Mercedes-powered FW42, which will incorporate the new look and branding from telecommunications company ROKiT.

“We are delighted to welcome ROKiT to our team as our title partner for the 2019 season and beyond.” explained ROKiT Williams Racing’s Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams. “We share many similar values and aspirations with ROKiT; primarily putting engineering and innovation at the core of everything we do in our pursuit to be the best – the perfect platform from which to start a partnership.”

“ROKiT is on an exciting journey in their world of telecommunications, as we are at Williams as we build the team for a successful future. Taking that path together will make us both stronger in our endeavours and so I can’t wait to get started.” Williams concluded.

Williams driver line-up features 2018 FIA Formula 2 Champion George Russell and the returning Robert Kubica, who will look to push the new machine to it’s limits and improve on what was a difficult campaign last season for one of the sport’s most historic outfits, which saw the Grove squad finish last in the Constructors Championship and score seven points with half coming from Lance Stroll’s eighth place in Azerbaijan.

Williams will get their first chance to see how it’s new contender stacks up with their rivals when testing begins on Monday February 18 at Spain’s Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya.