Skip to content

'An Immediate Chance to Learn More' - Toto Previews Saudi Arabia

Following last weekend's Formula One season opener in Bahrain there's not long to wait for another fix of action.

We're making the short trip across the Middle East to Jeddah, for the second leg of the double header.

A race around the shores of the Red Sea for the Saudi Arabian GP awaits. Before that, we checked in with Toto to get his thoughts on all things Sakhir.

"Our race in Bahrain was best described as underwhelming," he said, adding that there had been hopes of a stronger result at the chequered flag after practice and qualifying.

"Both drivers were pleased with the balance earlier in the weekend, and the more stable platform provided by the W15."

The issues in the desert? Cooling.

"Unfortunately, on Saturday evening, our cooling performance didn't match our predictions," explained Toto.

We will be aiming for a more consistent weekend and to understand our true performance

Toto

"That forced us into management mode early on, which had the knock-on impact of reducing tyre temperatures below optimum. That cost us the opportunity to show something closer to our true potential. It was a frustrating way to start the season but one we will learn from."

We've got an opportunity to take a step forward immediately this Saturday. Another race is the next chance to further our understanding of W15.

"Jeddah is a street track with a lot of high-speed content. It will be good to continue our learning with the new car on a very different circuit to Bahrain.

"We will be aiming for a more consistent weekend and to understand our true performance relative to the rest of the grid."

Saudi Arabia: Everything You Need to Know

Outside of the Grand Prix itself, the eyes of the paddock will be glued to the first round of F1 Academy.

Doriane Pin will be in the field and Toto and the team is excited to see our newest junior driver on track.

"It will also be great to see F1 Academy on the support bill in Saudi Arabia for their opening round. For the first time, we will be involved as a team.

"We're excited to watch our junior driver Doriane Pin in action and look forward to supporting the championship across the year."