Looking to bring home a podium finish at our home race—the German GP

The German GP, returning to the Nurburgring for the first time in two years, will be the ninth race of the 2009 season. The circuit is about average as F1 circuits go, requiring medium settings for downforce and braking. The biggest factor of concern here will be the quickly changing weather conditions, given the fact that the course is located next to the Eiffel mountain range. Many race fans remember the sudden downpour during the first lap of the race in 2007 that caused confusion among all of the teams and drivers. Quick decisions in the pits might make the difference between victory and embarrassment. The Nurburgring lies just 90 km from the Cologne headquarters of Panasonic Toyota Racing. Combined with the fact that this will be a home race for German driver Timo Glock, and that Jarno Trulli's birthday (July 13) is the day following the race, and you know the team has some high expectations for a superlative driving performance.