During a Toro Rosso filming day, running for the STR12 was hampered by a persistent ERS problem. The car only managed six laps at the Misano circuit, and the mechanics of the development team of Red Bull were not able to get the car running again, sources inside the Italian team told F1Today.net.

Toro Rosso will present the STR12 on Sunday, February 26th. The Italian squad will race with engine supplier Renault after a year with old specification Ferrari engines. The French manufacturer has gone for a different approach in 2017 to the power unit. Motor boss Remi Taffin previously revealed that the new power unit would be 95 percent different than the previous spec.

The new V6 turbo would supposedly gain three tenths per lap. Renault director Cyril Abiteboul however also announced that the French brand's first focus would be on the reliability. Reliability was not on the side of Toro Rosso during the filming day as the Red Bull junior team came nowhere near the allowed 100 kilometers.

Toro Rosso will drive in 2017 the same power unit as big brother Red Bull Racing, with both teams carrying Renault units. Spokeswoman Tabatha Valls responded to our editorial staff: "Sorry, we never go into situations of film days."

Fergal Walsh