Toro Rosso reveal 2019 car launch date

They have a new-look driver line-up in Daniil Kvyat and Alexander Albon taking to the grid in 2019, and Toro Rosso have announced that their STR14, the car they hope will help them make in-roads this season, will be launched on February 11.

The 2018 campaign marked a new era for the Italian squad, having switched from Renault to Honda power units, and though they finished ninth in the constructors’ standings, it was seen as a successful year of learning and ultimately led senior squad Red Bull to partner up with the Japanese engine manufacturer for the upcoming campaign.

Toro Rosso, who had Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley racing for them last season, will hope to give their new drivers Kvyat, who is returning for his third spell with the team, and London-born Thai racer Albon the tools to build on their 2018 exploits – and on Friday morning, they revealed the launch date of their 2019 challenger.

A short YouTube video confirmed that the car will break cover one week before winter testing begins at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain on February 18, meaning that as it stands, they will be the first team to launch their 2019 car.

Renault are currently set to be the second team to launch, with an event planned for February 12th, with Racing Point to present their livery and new identity the following day.

McLaren have opted for a Valentine’s Day reveal, a day ahead of Ferrari and four days before pre-season testing begins.

Sauber, meanwhile, have announced they will wait until the morning of the first day of testing to officially pull the covers off their 2019 challenger in the Barcelona pit lane.

2019 F1 CAR LAUNCH DATES

Team	Date	Venue
Toro Rosso	Feb 11	Online
Renault	Feb 12	Enstone, UK
Racing Point	Feb 13	Toronto, Canada
McLaren	Feb 14	TBC
Ferrari	Feb 15	TBC
Sauber	Feb 18	Barcelona, Spain

*More to follow as they are confirmed