Ralf Schumacher in Toyota Motorsports Festival 2006!30.11.2006

Toyota Motorsports Festival 2006 was held at Fuji Speedway on 26 November, 2006. Even though the weather did not cooperate, Ralf Schumacher treated more than 29,000 fans to a dramatic demonstration drive amidst intermittent rain, running a TF106 through the course like a real F1 race.

During the welcoming ceremony, Ralf made his appearance from the top center section of the main grandstand, waving his hand and descending slowly down a red carpet to the enthusiastic cheers of the fans. Having finished his entrance, Ralf joined the rest of the day’s drivers in a line along the main straightaway. With a short welcome speech by Kazuo Okamoto, Toyota Motor Corporation vice president, the festival was officially opened. After taking commemorative pictures, Ralf climbed into the passenger seat of a 2000GT convertible, and rode once around the course at the head of a line of 2000GT and Toyota Sports800 cars. This marked the start of a very busy day for Ralf, with a schedule timed to the minute.

Once Ralf returned from the course, he immediately participated in a press conference, commenting about Fuji Speedway that "There is no doubt that the facilities are top notch. The scenery is wonderful, and there are several overtaking points." Ralf went on to speak about his overall feelings about this season, as well as the team’s aspirations for next season. “Our results this season were not what we expected, but the car has improved a lot, and we can see a good direction for next year. There are some areas of improvement I can see with the TF106B, and I think we have taken a big step toward next season.”

F1 Driver Talk Show and Fan Club Event!

After the press conference, Ralf proceeded to the outdoor main stage, where many fans had been waiting for his arrival. Mr. Motoyasu Moriwaki, whom many fans know through his television commentary work on F1 races, and Mr. Toshihiro Ito, a Fuji Television announcer, sat across from Ralf as the three participated in the “F1 Driver Talk Show.”

First, Ito asked Ralf whether Ralf took some time off to relax after the Brazilian GP. Ralf immediately answered, “Of course I was able to take some time. But it was not especially necessary for me. My job is something that I enjoy doing.” Ralf later commented to the warm appreciation of the fans that "Japan is a part of my life. Here I was able to be the Formula Nippon Champion.”

Next, Mr. Moriwaki commented that the TF106B had come up a competitive level of speed. To that, Ralf responded, “That’s exactly right.” Ralf then went on to explain that the car had improved greatly throughout the year of development, particularly in the area of the new front suspension. Moriwaki then responded that he heard Jarno had some trouble with the new suspension. “Jarno compared the cars himself and made the decision that he thought the new suspension was better. While maybe it took a little more time to get used to the suspension than planned, afterward he was completely happy,” said Ralf.

Ralf also commented about the change to one tire manufacturer next season. “Well, we haven’t seen or tested any of the tires, so I can’t say that there will be a definite advantage for Panasonic Toyota Racing. But, I think the experience of working together with the Bridgestone staff this past season will be a help.”

When asked by Ito whether the driver’s job next season will be all the more important since the new rules require no more engine development take place, Ralf drew on his wealth of experience to reply that, “Even though engine development will stop, the car itself will be completely new. And of course, there are areas where the driver’s performance depends on the car they are driving. Where the difference will come out will be how well the driver can melt with the team environment, whether the driver will be able to break from his past, and of course, whether the designers can come up with a good car.”

In his final comment, Ralf accentuated the fact that in the upcoming season, Panasonic Toyota Racing will be the only team to remain exactly the same in all aspects, including tire manufacturer. Ralf seems to already feel strongly about the performance of the team next season.

At the last, Ralf thanked the fans in Japanese, and then moved on to the stage where the Fan Club Event was being held. Here as well, Ralf delighted the fans, saying that he was “very confident” about next season. Ralf also expressed his gratefulness to the fans who were so supportive of the team, pulling names for a special drawing, and participating in other activities.