Toro Rosso reveals its 2013 car, the STR8

Toro Rosso has revealed its 2013 Formula 1 challenger, the STR8, on the eve of this year's first pre-season test at Jerez.

The Italian squad was a distant ninth in last year's constructors' championship, although it did finish the year strongly with six points finishes in the final nine races.

Red Bull protegees Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne have been retained for their second full seasons.

"It's very emotional," said team boss Franz Tost. "The team has worked with a very high level of effort to come up with a great car and met the high expectations for this year.

"The goal is to finish sixth in the constructors' championship. The STR8 is the first car under James Key and Luca Furbatto.

"Both drivers did a really good job last year, and I'm convinced if we supply them with a good car they'll come up with surprise results."

The team has made changes behind the scenes, with former Sauber technical chief James Key arriving in September - a move team principal Franz Tost believes will usher in a 'new chapter' in the team's history.

For the seventh straight year the team will be powered by Ferrari engines.

The unveiling of the STR8 means eight teams have now revealed their 2013 challengers.

Caterham and Marussia will follow suit tomorrow, immediately before the start of Jerez testing, while Williams will take the covers of the FW35 ahead of the second test at Barcelona.

Toro Rosso STR8 - full coverage:

Toro Rosso reveals its 2013 car
Toro Rosso STR8 in pictures
STR: Team not drivers under pressure
Analysis: STR aims high with new car

2013 pre-season dates

Car launches

Team          Date 
Lotus         January 28 
McLaren       January 31 
Ferrari       February 1 
Force India   February 1
Sauber        February 2
Red Bull      February 3 
Mercedes      February 4 
Toro Rosso    February 4 
Caterham      February 5
Marussia      February 5

Williams      February 19

Testing

Venue         Date 
Jerez         5-8 February 
Barcelona     19-22 February 
Barcelona     28 February-3 March

Keep checking AUTOSPORT for the latest news from our reporters at every 2013 Formula 1 car launch, plus comprehensive galleries and in-depth technical analysis of the new cars