US GP: Toro Rosso race notes

Comments from the Toro Rosso team after the US Grand Prix

Scott Speed: 13th

"The track was slippery out there and with our low downforce set-up we really needed the track surface to develop more grip for our car to work better. It was definitely a tough race and just keeping it on the track was in itself a challenge. So I am happy to have managed to bring it home in thirteenth place which is not too bad. We need lots of small improvements to move forward but we are working in the right direction."

Tonio Liuzzi: Retired

"Unfortunately we were too slow in the first stint, where we had chosen an aggressive strategy starting on hard tyres. I did enjoy a good fight with Fisichella though. But I struggled with rear stability and a lack of grip in the rear. This cost us a lot of time. On the softer tyre, our strategy was right as I was brought in just before being lapped."

"The car felt better but the lack of downforce meant I was always fighting the rear tyres. Then at the end the team called me in because of a problem with water pressure. At the Silverstone test we will see if we can make a good step forward for the next race."

Franz Tost, Team principal:

"From the start of the weekend we were unable to find grip at the rear. Both drivers said the rear of the car was unstable with oversteer in the infield which meant they could not set competitive lap times. While Scott did manage to bring the car to the flag, Tonio had to retire in the pits with a loss of water pressure."

"Our programme continues and we now join the other teams in Silverstone starting on Tuesday when we will test our new quick-shift gearbox for the first time. After that we will have a clearer picture of what to expect in Magny-Cours."

-credit: toro rosso