Monday 4 August at 18:54 : Toro Rosso has launched a major recruitment drive ahead of needing to become a full constructor by 2010.

With Red Bull's long-term support faltering, and the looming crackdown on customer cars, it is believed team co-owner Gerhard Berger has ordered the addition of 50 staff to the Faenza based ranks.

Toro Rosso will continue to receive Red Bull Technology's input on the chassis front in 2009, but the team may need to go it alone for the following season.

"We are trying to grow, and if we want to improve our performance we have to grow," Berger is quoted as confirming to GPWeek.

"I wouldn't say 50 people but I would say that we definitely want to strengthen ourselves for the future," he added.

It is reported that the first major new appointment at Toro Rosso is Fabio Segalini, who was heavily involved in the design of the first GP2 car.