Covering all of the bases; expecting a trouble-free weekend to lead to a top result

During February, the team conducted a 711-lap, 3,847 km test in Bahrain, using the raft of data collected as the basis for car setup this weekend. This circuit was expected to be the toughest circuit on braking systems of all 17 grand prix races this year.

For us, the Chinese GP last week was extremely irritating. In addition to the trouble with Jarno’s (team driver Jarno Trulli) STDECU on Friday, we had to change Timo’s (team driver Timo Glock) gear box on Saturday, resulting in a five-position penalty on the grid for his car. In Sunday’s heavy rain, Jarno was hit from behind, leaving everyone with the feeling that we weren’t able to show our true performance capabilities over the three-day race weekend. Our number one priority at the Bahrain GP was to avoid even the smallest of minor troubles, allowing ourselves to perform up to our potential.

Following just one week after the Chinese GP, we didn’t make any obvious visible changes to our car for Bahrain, but we did make some subtle, less noticeable changes to improve the car. Since Bahrain is only a one-hour time difference from TMG headquarters in Germany, we were able to conduct our setup work without too much concern. We also had the advantage of having tested in Bahrain in February of this year, so we were able to come into this grand prix fully prepared on all fronts.

Profitable use of off-season test results

Ambient and track surface temperatures were the biggest differences between this weekend and February testing. With temperatures in excess of 10℃ higher than those during testing, the team had to pay particular attention to tire usage. The team checked the characteristics of each tire compound during free practice, projecting tire selection as a key strategy during the race.

We were able to run through our Friday program without any troubles. We began our setup work based on the configuration we tested prior to the start of the season, trying different setups from that starting point. Ultimately, we settled on the setup we had confirmed during testing, which I think was the result of both cars turning in high-energy laps during practice.

Both ambient and track surface temperatures were higher by more than 10℃ compared to our testing in February, so we were looking forward to finding out how the super-soft (SS) tire compound would perform. As evidenced by Jarno and Timo scoring P3 and P8 respectively on the time sheets during the second free practice session, our most significant take-away from Friday was the knowledge that we could achieve stable lap times, even under high temperatures.

We battled car trouble, penalties or rainy conditions in the first three races of the year. We figured that we would be racing in dry conditions for all three days during the Bahrain GP, but we received weather reports calling for dust storms on Sunday. Fortunately, the forecast had changed by Friday, and we were encouraged to learn that Sunday’s race would be held under dry conditions.

A first all-Panasonic Toyota front row; aiming for the center spot on the podium!!

Despite less-than-perfect conditions (Jarno fought braking instability; Timo had trouble with his electrical system), the team came together as one for a splendid one-two finish in qualifying, and an all-Panasonic Toyota front row. This was the best qualifying result since the team’s inception.

At the conclusion of Saturday’s qualifying, we had captured the first all-Panasonic Toyota Racing front row since the inception of the team. I wish to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported Panasonic Toyota Racing over the years. While our drivers turned in splendid qualifying performances, we must credit our mechanics and engineers for their work in preparing such a terrific car, and in performing the setup work. And, of course, I mustn’t forget to commend the efforts of all of the employees back in the factory who have been working so hard.

Still, the path to an all-Toyota front row this weekend wasn’t completely smooth. Immediately after Timo scored the best time on the charts Saturday morning, we had to stop testing his car to address trouble with the electrical system. Fortunately, we were able to resolve the issue by changing out the wiring, preventing the issue from having any impact on afternoon qualifying. During qualifying, Jarno reported difficulty with the feel of his brakes, while Timo fought the effects of the changing winds on his car. Despite the issues, both cars were able to advance to the final qualifying period, ultimately securing an all-Panasonic Toyota front row. This, to me, indicates the great potential embodied in the TF109.

With both of our cars on the front row of the starting grid, our goal for Sunday’s race wasn’t merely a podium finish—we wanted the center spot on the podium.

Tire selection backfires; a sense of overall team strength, despite a disappointing result

A key strategy for the race, tire selection turned out to be difference between a podium finish and a race victory. Even so, Jarno scored the team’s third podium of the season. Having proved the performance capabilities of the car, Panasonic Toyota Racing is looking forward to an even brighter future.

Even though we captured our third podium finish of the year, the weekend was tinged with disappointment, considering the fact that we had such a good chance to win. I think the difference came down to our tire selection in the first pit stop. We started a bit lighter on fuel than the other cars nearby, choosing a strategy to go longer during the second stint (between the first and second pit stops). For the long second stint, we put both drivers on the medium (harder) tire, which we believed would allow them to take advantage of more stable lap times. Unfortunately, their lap times on the harder compound didn’t improve during the stint as much as we anticipated. In short, we miscalculated in our strategy.

Looking back, I think that we would have come away with a different result if we had Timo (who had been running in front) on a three-stop strategy, employing the super-soft tires through the third stint. We could have put Jarno on a two-stop program, leaving him on super-softs through the second stint. Of course this is just hindsight; we can’t go back in time and change our decisions. While we remain frustrated that we didn’t win the race, on the other hand, we made a podium appearance despite the fact that we didn’t perform at our best. To me, this is proof that our car is very competitive. We will look to our shortcomings in Bahrain as important lessons learned, and approach the upcoming European Round looking to continue to race among the top teams, this time capitalizing on opportunities for a victory. We at Panasonic Toyota Racing ask for your continued support.