Toro Rosso: Hartley LMP1 experience vital

Toro Rosso has said that Brendon Hartley's experience in the FIA World Endurance Championship has been key so far during his time with the team. They said that he has brought "fresh and unique insight" to the outfit.

Speaking to Motorsport.com, technical director James Key praised Hartley's driving ability and his prior experience has shone through so far during his time with the team.

“The great thing with Brendon coming in is that he’s got a different take on things,

“The way he had to save fuel, save tyres, use energy is a completely fresh input into this, so there’s definitely some valuable insight into what we are doing that we wouldn’t have had if we’d taken more of a standard approach with a single-seater driver.

“The technologies are different enough that there’s no technical transfer, but it’s more the process that you go through and the way that you look at it.

“I think it’s been good for Honda, but it’s been good for the whole team to get that fresh and unique insight.”

Hartley agreed that his time in the WEC had helped him so far during his short F1 career.

“I think where it can be an advantage is I’m quite used to having to be very efficient because we were so restricted on fuel there,” said Hartley when asked by Motorsport.com what he can bring to Toro Rosso and Honda.

“So if we get to a race where we are very restricted on fuel, I feel like it’s a good strength. Obviously, working on such a project is all valuable; all experience is good experience.”