Starting its Formula One career as Minardi, Scuderia Toro Rosso was bought by Red Bull at the end of the 2005 season. Now their B- team, Scuderia Toro Rosso is also co-owned by former F1 driver Gerhard Berger on a 50-50 basis. The Scuderia preceding the name is owing to the fact that the engine has been supplied by Ferrari.

Making its debut in the 2006 season, with the new name and ownership, Scott Speed and Vitantonio Liuzzi, both rookies, were named drivers. Liuzzi managed to impress scoring the first points for the team. Speed finished 8th in Australia, but the position was taken away after it was found that he had overtaken David Coulthard under the yellow flag. A major disappointment for the team and the driver, they returned to battle the superior machines.

Country Italy Italy
City Faenza
Founded 2006

As the season proggressed, competition became worse, with the team even struggling to qualify. This was mainly due to the introduction of the new and powerful V8 engines. In an attempt to balance the field for themselves, Toro Rosso requested an extra 500 rpm for qualifying, though only 300 rpm was granted, mainly due to the inexperience of the team.

For the 2007 season Sebastian Vettel replaced Speed, and immediately produced results. At the Chinese Grand Prix, Vettel bagged fourth place, while Liuzzi finished sixth, scoring a total of eight points for the team. This performance was preceded by a disappointing Japanese Grand Prix, where under safety car conditions, Vettel crashed into Mark Webber’s Red Bull. At the this point Vettel was running second while Webber was third.

With Sebastian Vettel teaming up with Sebastien Bourdais for the 2008 season, expectations are much higher. This season Toro Rosso will continue with the Ferrari V8 engines. With Franz Tost as team principal, Toro Rosso is all set to unveil its latest car the STR3, said to be the most advanced machinery from their stables.

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