Early March debut for new Toro Rosso

(GMM) Toro Rosso will begin testing with its Ferrari-powered 2009 car, the STR4, in "early March", Sebastien Bourdais has told the French daily L'Equipe.

The 29-year-old Frenchman, confirmed for the forthcoming season by the Faenza based team only last Friday, explained that the car he will test at Jerez this week will still be the 2008 model.

"It is clear that this is not ideal," he said, referring to the proximity to the Melbourne season opener on March 29.

"If the deadlines are met, the new car will be presented in early March," Bourdais added.

The basis of the STR4, Red Bull's RB5, will be unveiled and tested for the first time by the senior team at Jerez on Monday.

Bourdais' 2008 teammate, Sebastien Vettel, is scheduled to drive, before Mark Webber returns from injury on day two.