The Toro Rosso STR4 was the single-seater with which our team participated in the 2009 Formula 1 World Championship. Designed together with Red Bull Technology, it shared part of the construction philosophy with Red Bull Racing RB5, but was substantially different at the rear, as the STR4 had a Ferrari engine whilst the RB5 was powered by a Renault engine.

The technical sheet

The Toro Rosso STR4 was a composite monocoque. The suspension, both at the front and at the rear featured transverse arms – upper and lower – in carbon, with torsion bar springs and Sachs shock absorbers. It was fitted with Bridgestone tyres and Brembo brakes. The STR4 was powered by the Ferrari 056 engine, a 90-degree eight-cylinder 2398cc  V8 and was equipped with a seven-speed hydraulic transmission.

STR4 results

Driving the Toro Rosso STR4 during the 2009 season were Sébastien Buemi – making his Formula 1 debut – and Sébastien Bourdais. In a season in which the interpretation of the new regulations had consequences on and off the track, the STR4 proved to be competitive from the off, getting the team a double-points finish in the opening race in Australia. Buemi again finished in the points in the third race in China, while Bourdais had the satisfaction of scoring an eighth place at the Monaco GP.

It wasn’t until the Hungarian GP that the car was fitted with the double diffuser, thus joining the other teams that had used it already, even prior to its approval by the FIA.

The Spaniard Jaime Alguersuari made his debut in the STR4 at the Budapest GP, replacing Bourdais for the rest of the year. In total, the team collected eight points in 2009 and finished in tenth place in the constructors’ classification.