James Key denies Toro Rosso testing 2015 car

James Key of Toro Rosso during a press conference on June 19, 2015
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James Key clarifies reports that Toro Rosso did not take its 2016 car to the first Barcelona test.

James Key has clarified reports that Toro Rosso did not take its 2016 car to the first Barcelona test.

Carlos Sainz had been quoted as saying that, amid the Faenza team's rush to fit its new Ferrari engines for 2016, Toro Rosso had prepared an interim car built around the 2015 car.

The Spaniard suggested that the "full" STR11 will then make its debut next week in race livery.

Technical boss Key, however, is quoted by Marca as saying the all-blue single seater collecting laps this week "is definitely this year's car".

"There are two parts that are temporary, because the new ones will come for the next test," he added. "But they are the only two pieces from 2015 that are in this car."

Key admitted that the 2016 machine is very much based on last year's model.

"We were very happy with the chassis last year- it was a big step for us. So we wanted to keep everything that worked," he added.

However, it seems that the 2016 Toro Rosso may actually be heavier, as compromises were made to accommodate the last-minute switch from Renault power.

It means that Sainz, who spent some of the winter training with top triathlete Mario Mola, was asked to lose weight.

Max Verstappen of Toro Rosso during qualifying for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2015
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