24/10/2004

Grand Prix of Brazil - Race Round-Up

Jarno Trulli (Car 16 Chassis TF104/10B)
Session Classification: 12th +1 lap (from race winner)
Grid: 9th
"It was a difficult race this afternoon. I got a good start and was up to sixth but I struggled every time the track was a bit damp. I believe this was due to a general lack of experience I have with the TF104B. As the track got drier and quicker I was getting more and more competitive. I tried to do my best but unfortunately we were again out of the points. However it has been a positive weekend because I could see that the car was better compared to Suzuka. It is just a shame we couldn't end the season in the points. Finally I would like to say thank you to the team for giving me such a warm welcome over these last two races and for helping me settle in so easily. 2004 was my best season in Formula 1 but I am looking forward to an even better 2005 with Toyota who I have discovered to be a fantastic team with great potential."

Ricardo Zonta (Car 17 Chassis TF104/09B)
Session Classification: 13th +1 lap (from race winner)
Grid: 14th
"I think it was a quite an exciting race because of the ever-changing wet-dry conditions. In the damp at the start of the race the speed of the car was quite good and I was able to overtake some cars which was fun. Towards the end I had some balance problems and I found it quite difficult to drive the car. It was great to race in Brazil in front of my home crowd and I think we did a good job this weekend especially as I have also been unwell. I am pleased with the team's efforts and particularly with the new crew that I was working with this weekend. I would like to say thanks to the team for an enjoyable season."

Tsutomu Tomita - Team Principal
"I think that race typifies the season that everyone at Panasonic Toyota Racing has had this year very frustrating and a missed opportunity to get the points that we needed. In the latter stages of the race when the track was dry the car was pretty good and the drivers were able to push hard especially Jarno who was running as quick as the leaders. In the mixed conditions though the car was just too difficult to drive which meant that we lost too many places. After a promising performance over the weekend we really needed a totally dry race today. Over the season there has been a great effort from the race team and not forgetting all the employees in Cologne who have remained committed and motivated. I wish to thank every single person in the team and also the Toyota family and fans."

Mike Gascoyne - Technical Director Chassis
"Special thanks must go to all team members for their excellent performance all season. It is much harder in the difficult times when the expected results don't come but every one has done a tremendous job. We must now look forward to next year when I am sure we can take the step forward that everyone at Toyota wants and has worked hard for."