STR 'transformed' since Vettel arrival

(GMM) The arrival at Toro Rosso of rookie racer Sebastian Vettel has already improved the atmosphere within the Faenza based team.

That is the assertion of team co-owner and boss Gerhard Berger, who shortly after giving Scott Speed his marching orders recently declared that the atmosphere at the Ferrari-powered team this year had not been good.

"With one blow the feeling in the team improved as soon as Sebastien replaced Scott Speed," Berger admitted to Sport Bild on Wednesday.

The former McLaren and Ferrari race winner added: "Suddenly everyone says 'good morning' to each other — the spirits in the team have been completely transformed."

Vettel, to complete this season for the team after commencing 2007 as BMW's primary test driver, has been signed by STR also for the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

His teammate next year will be multiple Champ Car champion Sebastien Bourdais.