Sebastian Vettel has claimed that Toro Rosso will suffer no major disadvantage in starting next season with 2007's car.
Up-and-coming German star looking forward to first full F1 season
Sebastian Vettel has predicted that, despite Toro Rosso starting 2008 with last year's car, they can nevertheless display the same fine form they showed at the end of last season.
The outfit, who are part owned by Red Bull, will have to wait until the start of the European season to get their hands on the latter's new RB4, meaning they must use an updated version of the STR2 for the first three races on the 2008 calender.
However, Vettel remains unfazed by the situation, with the 20-year-old German telling
Autosport: "It is official that we are starting off with an evolution of this year's car, but I don't think it is a big disadvantage.
"It should be fine. All the team members are very motivated, the atmosphere is great and I'm really looking forward to it."
Strong finish
Vettel believes that his strong finish to last season - which included leading the Japanese Grand Prix before crashing behind the safety car when running third, and a fourth-placed finish at the Chinese Grand Prix - have contributed to a very positive mood for 2008.
"It was good after Japan to have one week after a good result, but the most important thing is that everyone is happy," he explained.
"Everyone is enjoying work and I think we form a good team for next year, so we are definitely working hard. There is always a bit of an extra push if you feel the guys are happy.
"Testing was strong for us, we were not running empty as some guys spoke in the press, but it is hard to say where anyone is until we get to Australia.
"If you listen to everybody now and believe what they say then you will need points down to 20th position and a podium for the top 10 guys.
"We will just keep our feet on the ground."
