Overlooked by many, JEV (Jean-Eric Verge) set the second fastest lap in Australia, and also shined on Saturday in Q1, where he went to provisional pole for the end of the session. Now, these are definitely not signs that Toro Rosso is going to win the championship or anything drastic like that, but it might be an omen that Toro Rosso is starting to regain its footing. In 2011, Toro Rosso was fighting for P7 in the Constructor's Championship. Now, they've slipped back a bit, and last year they were battling with Caterham and finished the season wit a grand total of 26 points. They do, however have some decent heritage, claiming a win in Monza at the hands of Vettel, and finishing as high as 6th in the Constructors.They launched the career current Indycar driver Sebastian Bourdais who has been pretty successful. They discovered Sebastian Buemi who now drives as a Red Bull test driver and Jaime Alguersuari. Truth is, most Toro Rosso drivers have ended up in pretty good places. Also, Malaysia is where Vergne scored his first points.
But enough of just praising the team, what does this have to do with Vergne, Riccardo, and 2013. Well, since they have a record of finding good drivers, it means JEV will probably be of the same caliber, hence raising Toro Rosso's chances of winning a race. Since, in the past, Toro Rosso has done well, history could repeat itself here. STR's team leader, Jean Todt, has won awards for best team manager and other praise, so that factors in as well. All on top of STR being backed by both Ferrari and ( I )RBR, using the reliable Ferrari motor and receiving monetary support from Red Bull.
While it is true that the highest they've finished since 2009 is 7th, I think they could be able to have at least one race where they do exceptionally well. (Like Williams or F.I last year).
Toro Rosso:
Drivers: Jean-Eric Vergne
Daniel Ricciardo
Highest Finish: 1st
Lowest Classified Finish: 21st
Current Position: 7th
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