F1
Laurence Edmondson, F1 Editor 6y

Toro Rosso leaks first image of Honda-powered STR13

Formula 1

Toro Rosso has tweeted the first official image of the new Honda-powered STR13 following a filming day at Misano.

The new car is not due to be launched until the opening day of testing on February 26, but after running for the first time in Italy the team tweeted the following photo.

The car marks the start of a new era for the Italian team after it signed a deal with Honda to become a works outfit this year. The Japanese engine manufacturer struggled for performance and reliability while working with McLaren over the past three seasons but is hoping it can catch up with Renault, Ferrari and Mercedes this year.

From the photo it is clear that Toro Rosso has redesigned the nose of its car, opting for a wider design with a thumb tip over the slender design of the STR12. The raised front suspension -- which was a feature of just the Mercedes and Toro Rosso last year but has now been seen on Sauber's new car this year too -- remains in place.

The Halo features an aerodynamic fairing and has been painted blue to tie in with the team's livery, which appears to be largely unchanged from last year's.

Brendon Hartley was at the wheel of the STR13 for the photo but teammate Pierre Gasly also tweeted an image from the filming day, which was effectively used as a shakedown by the team.

The STR13 will make its first public appearance when testing gets underway on February 26.

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