Smiles all round at Toro Rosso after first points since Malaysia

Toro Rosso stormed to their first points finish since way back in March at the Belgian Grand Prix, as both Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo finished within the points together for the first time this season. The two drivers benefited greatly from the incident on the opening lap, and take home a total of six points.

After starting from way back in 15th and 16th respectively, Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo precariously picked their way through the ensuing carnage at turn 1, promoting themselves right up into the points as the safety car was immediately deployed. From there, both drivers fought a race long battle for supremacy alongside the Force Indias, Red Bulls and the sole remaining Ferrari of Felipe Massa.

Both drivers are understandably elated after the teams most competitive race of the season, and are now heading to their home race in Italy confident they can repeat such successes after an unquestionably difficult season. Although the Toro Rosso duo have only retired once so far this season, neither Jean-Eric Vergne nor Daniel Ricciardo have finished within the points since the opening two races at Australia and Malaysia.

“I am really happy after what was a fantastic race.” Enthused Jean-Eric Vergne, “I had hoped to come here and score points on my favorite track and I managed it. I had a very good car and I was able to do some good overtaking moves. It was a shame I lost a lot of time behind Rosberg, but I’m not complaining on a day when I finally scored some points again. I enjoyed myself today and I think we are on the right track although it’s hard to say exactly what was better about our car this weekend. The team worked well and the pit stops were good so well done to them too and it’s great that Daniel [Ricciardo] also scored points. I will leave Spa with a good souvenir of this weekend.”

Daniel Ricciardo was equally jubilant after finishing the Belgian Grand Prix 9th, just behind his rookie team-mate. This has been the first double points finish for Toro Rosso since last year’s Korean Grand Prix, when former drivers Sebastian Buemi and Jamie Alguersuari were behind the wheel.

“That was good fun!” Exclaimed Daniel Ricciardo, “We managed to benefit from the incident immediately after the start, when I had got a good run off the line. You always want to do better, you always want more, but you can’t complain with ninth, being back in the points for the first time since Melbourne. Hopefully, it will give us some momentum for the team’s home Grand Prix next week.”

After a frustratingly uncompetitive first half of the season, Toro Rosso will be aiming to continue their competitiveness once the track action gets underway next weekend at the historic Monza circuit. Toro Rosso have positive memories of Monza, after Sebastian Vettel took the teams maiden Grand Prix victory there in 2008.

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