Toro Rosso’s Honda-powered STR13 has made its on-track debut during a filming day at Misano, five days before the start of pre-season testing.
Toro Rosso, seventh in last year’s standings, has partnered with Honda on a three-year deal, and will be the only team to use the Japanese marque’s power units in Formula 1 this season.
The STR13, which was successfully fired up earlier this month, ran for the first time in wet conditions at the Italian circuit on Wednesday.
Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley, entering their first full seasons in Formula 1, split driving duties equally, as Toro Rosso was able to rack up the first miles with its new car.
“Everything ran smoothly and according to plan,” confirmed a team spokesperson to Motorsport Week.
“We finished the programme without any issues and completed all the promotional requests, ahead of schedule. Today was a perfect day.”
Toro Rosso will formally unveil its STR13 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Monday morning, shortly before the first day of testing begins.
Each Formula 1 team is permitted to carry out two filming days per year, with running limited to 100km on Pirelli’s promotional tyres.
Red Bull became the first team to run its 2018 car during a shakedown at Silverstone on Monday, while Sauber is in action at Barcelona today (Wednesday) with the C37.
Mercedes’ W09 is scheduled to run at Silverstone on Thursday as part of the team’s launch event.
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