Toro Rosso became the latest team to reveal its 2013 car after following in Mercedes’ footsteps by launching at the Jerez circuit on Monday.
The Italian team pulled back the covers on the STR8 which is the first car to be designed by chief designer Luca Furbatto and overseen by former-Sauber technical director James Key, both of which are fairly new to the team.
The car, which is an evolution of the STR7, hasn’t changed massively on the aerodynamic side, with Key admitting the majority of development has been on the mechanical side.
He does however insist the car will look very different as they bring aero upgrades to opening tests and races.
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-120x86.webp)
“We have got some bits coming for the next test and the test after which will visibly change the car,” he said at the launch.
“We are working now on the future steps and we will evolve.
“We’re already looking at different types of approaches in some areas, fundamentally different approaches that will eventually come to life later in the season.”
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-350x250.webp)
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