Getting both cars into the top 10 in FP1 and an impressive fourth place for Jean-Éric Vergne in the third of the practice sessions was a great way to start Toro Rosso’s weekend. Daniil Kvyat continued a positive weekend under the lights for the Italian team lining up 10th and making it into Q3 for the seventh time in his début season, while his team-mate was disappointed with 12th after looking strong in the early stages of Q2.
Toro Rosso Singapore GP Review
Nico Rosberg’s electrical issues gifted all drivers an extra place off the start, but Kvyat struggled on cold tyres and lost out to Button while Vergne closed up to the back of the sister car. JEV’s impressive pace led the team to give Daniil two laps to attempt to pass Kevin Magnussen and let his team-mate past after being unsuccessful.
Kvyat joined Felipe Massa by pitting early on lap 11; the Russian was one of only two men to use the harder of Pirelli’s compounds in the second stint. On lap 16 Vergne was given a five second stop-go penalty for exceeding track limits, but that would not halt the Frenchman’s charge as he began to attack Jenson Button for eighth place a few laps later.
When the safety car came out Jean-Eric tried desperately to be ahead of Räikkönen’s Ferrari emerging from the pit lane, he came out of turn three ahead of the Finn but eventually gave the position back to avoid another penalty. The Toro Rosso’s restarted the race with Vergne in ninth and Kvyat in 11th.
Daniil pitted on lap 44 for a set of the harder compound tyres giving him fresh rubber for the end of the race. However he, like Magnussen was having problems with his drinks system which would undoubtedly be affecting his concentration. Jean-Éric pitted the lap after giving him the same advantage for the later stages of the race.
A move on the Caterham of Marcus Ericsson put Kvyat up into 14th place on lap 49 but a quick thinking Sergio Pérez used this to his advantage and moved ahead of the Russian rookie. Meanwhile Vergne began his impressive charge through the field at the expense of the two Lotus’ to move himself into the points. However his move on Pastor Maldonado earned him another five second stop-go penalty that he would take after crossing the finish line.
On lap 56 the Frenchman joined the train behind Valtteri Bottas for sixth place; JEV worked his way through the train with impressive overtakes on three different cars at three different corners. He then sprinted down the road to open up the five second gap he needed to keep the position.
A contrast for the two Toro Rosso drivers as Vergne finished an impressive sixth and Kvyat couldn’t manage any better than 14th.
Jean-Eric was interviewed after the race and praised for his position despite two stop-go penalties
“Yeah it was a fantastic race, I’m extremely happy. It’s like a podium for us”
He was then asked if he can continue this form heading to Suzuka
“Yeah definitely, we have an update for Japan. Today I think I showed my potential and I did everything I could.”
A good outlook to have considering the Frenchman doesn’t have a drive for next year.
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