Red Bull junior team reveal striking new metallic blue and red livery on STR12; Toro Rosso field Carlos Sainz & Daniil Kvyat again in 2017
Sunday 26 February 2017 18:44, UK
Toro Rosso have officially launched their 2017 challenger, introducing a bold new livery on the STR12.
Much like senior team Red Bull, Toro Rosso's cars had primarily been a darker blue ever since their first F1 campaign in 2006 - but the Italian outfit have introduced a lighter colour to their car.
The launch-spec car features a slimmer and more conventional nose than the majority of 2017 challengers, although does include the common shark fin engine cover design.
The change in livery comes as the team look to kick on this season.
Confidence will be high after an up-and-down 2016, with the sport's aerodynamic evolution expected to help the chassis-friendly team into the upper echelons of midfield, regularly scoring points.
That mantle fell last year to Carlos Sainz, arguably F1's most exciting prospect outside of a top-three team, but Toro Rosso will hope Daniil Kvyat can build on an encouraging end to the previous campaign to support the Spaniard.
Introducing the new F1 2017 cars
A driver line-up that is young, but experienced, and blessed with speed, the duo will embark on their first full season as team-mates this year after Kvyat suffered the embarrassment of an early-season demotion from Red Bull in 2016.
2017 will also see Toro Rosso return to the latest Renault power after struggling in a 2015-spec Ferrari engine last season.
That disappointing second half to 2016 saw them slip down to seventh place in the constructors' standings, but team principal Franz Tost is confident his team can secure a record-high finish of fifth this season.
2017 car launches
February 17: Williams FW40
February 20: Sauber C36
February 21: Renault RS17
February 22: Force India VJM10
February 23: Mercedes W08
February 24: Ferrari SF70-H
February 24: McLaren MCL32
February 26: Red Bull RB13
February 26: Haas VF-17
February 26: Toro Rosso STR12
The first F1 pre-season test starts on Monday February 27 and the Sky Sports F1 Digital team will be providing live commentary from dawn until dusk on all four days while Sky Sports News HQ will also deliver live updates from trackside.
