Toro Rosso officially presents Honda-powered STR13

Toro Rosso has officially revealed its 2018 Formula 1 car, the STR13, after releasing spy shots during its Misano shakedown test last week of its new Honda-powered car.

The Italian squad begins its new power unit partnership with Honda this season, having split from Renault last year, and unveiled a largely unchanged race livery from last year for its new F1 car.

Last week Toro Rosso released spy shots of its Honda-shod car from a wet Misano shakedown test after unofficial images began to appear online.

Toro Rosso lines up with Brendon Hartley and Pierre Gasly for the 2018 F1 season commencing its new Honda engine partnership.

Team principal Franz Tost is relishing the new era partnered with Honda and is certain the Italian squad will produce a competitive car for the 2018 season.

“I am really looking forward to begin this new season and enter a new era for our team, working together with Honda," Tost said. "It’s an exciting time for Toro Rosso because we have not had our own engine supplier before, so to partner with a manufacturer, with the history Honda has, will be great. We also have two accomplished rookies for the 2018 season.

"They are not completely new because both Pierre and Brendon drove a handful of races for us last year, but this will be their first full season in Formula 1. Both drivers come to us as champions, as Pierre won the 2016 GP2 (now F2) Championship, while Brendon is a double World Endurance Champion and 24 Hour of Le Mans winner.

"I’m convinced that if we provide them with a competitive car, they will be able to perform at very high levels. We have been working very hard on the STR13, and I’m happy we do not have to wait too long to see it running.”

Katsuhide Moriyama, Honda's new chief officer, has echoed Tost's comments and has faith in the RA618H Honda engine after a frustrating three years on its return to F1.

"I am delighted that our new car is here and ready for the start of winter testing, having been designed and built to a very tight schedule," Moriyama said. "That is a tribute to the dedication of the Honda and Scuderia Toro Rosso personnel who have already learned to work very well together, developing the STR13 chassis and RA618H power unit package over the short winter months.

"Now we have just eight days to evaluate our work on the track, in order to be ready for the coming season. We appreciate the warm support from the fans and hope they enjoy watching us compete in this year’s championship."