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Toro Rosso Debut Revised STR4 in Hungary

While still uncertain, at least officially, about their drivers lineup for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Toro Rosso have at least one good news for the Hungaroring weekend. As announced by team boss Franz Tost a few weeks ago, the Faenza based team will bring its first major revamp on the STR4 in Hungary.

Until now, Red Bull's sister team have done little to improve their 2009 package in the first part of the season. While the Milton Keynes outfit debuted several versions of their rear diffuser – not to talk about revised front wings, engine cover or underfloor – Toro Rosso had to settle with their initial package.

In addition, Tost had to respect Ferrari's wishes – engine supplier for the ongoing season – and fit the Scuderia's intensively used 2.4-litre V8s into their car during the Friday practice sessions of every Grand Prix.

That made the Austrian official state, loud and clear, that the STR4 is the least technically developed car of the Formula One field this year. Not only the car's aerodynamics is lacking some serious remodeling, but the suspension, cooling, hydraulics and gearbox need some major changes as well.

The team has already tested the new package on an Italian circuit during the course of last week and are ready to debut their revised STR4 at the Hungaroring, two weeks from now. “Hopefully that will show us that we look forward to better things in the last eight races of this season,” said a statement from Toro Rosso.

Whether they'll manage to improve their performances from as early as Hungary or not, that might not be Sebastien Bourdais' chance to witness. The Frenchman will reportedly be dropped by Tost following his DNF in Germany, and replaced by 19-year old Jaime Alguersuari.
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