Jean-Eric Vergne has described a sense of frustration with the STR7, which has visibly held both himself and team-mate Daniel Ricciardo back throughout the duration of the 2012 season. The Faenza-based outfit currently have only six points in the Constructors’ Championship, despite positive improvements from their two drivers.
Toro Rosso’s only points to date came during the opening two rounds of the season, at the Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix. Since then, it has unquestionably been a tough season for Daniel Ricciardo and F1 rookie Jean-Eric Vergne. The two drivers have definitely made improvements throughout the season, however the underperformance of the Ferrari-powered STR7 has undeniably overshadowed their season.
Jean-Eric Vergne enjoyed a particularly successful season in the World Series by Renault last year, winning five races including one at Spa-Francorchamps on his way to 2nd in the Drivers’ Championship. This helped the Frenchman land a drive at Toro Rosso alongside Daniel Ricciardo, after Toro Rosso elected to change both drivers for the 2012 season. Although Vergne and Ricciardo have finished in the points on less occasions than their predecessors so far this season, Vergne is adamant he is improving as the season progresses.
“To be honest it is a bit difficult.” Explained Jean-Eric Vergne, when asked how satisfied he is with the team in an interview with Formula1.com. “I know that I am improving myself but when you look at the results it does not show. That’s a bit frustrating. I was almost in Q3 in Australia and I performed well in Malaysia so we all had the impression that I was on a good upward curve. But as I have just said the results do not show that. The car is not really moving forward. From my side I can only do my best over a race weekend and hopefully the car will follow.”
When asked whether he could’ve scored better results had the car been performing better this season, the Frenchman adamantly stated the Monaco Grand Prix as a missed opportunity. Jean-Eric Vergne was running in 7th position after starting 18th during the race, but tyre wear towards the end of the race ruined his chances of a competitive result at the Principality.
“Definitely in Monaco!” Enthused Jean-Eric Vergne, “I was running seventh and started from P18. The performance in the race was amazing. I kept the Force Indias behind me and was nearly as quick as the guys who later made it onto the podium. But the fact was that I had the oldest tyres in the field and a drop of water finished them immediately. That was a big shame and a big opportunity missed.”
Jean-Eric Vergne has definitely proved his worth so far this season, regardless of the fact he’s remained towards the back of the pack during many of the recent race weekends. Consistency isn’t Toro Rosso’s or Jean-Eric Vergne’s issue, as the Frenchman has finished every race except the European Grand Prix so far this season. However, with points so important in Formula 1, the Frenchman and his Italian outfit desperately need to find some form in the closing races of this thrilling 2012 season.
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