TURNING UP THE HEAT

This coming weekend the city of Budapest will play host to the 21st Hungarian Grand Prix taking place at the Hungoraring since 1986. The Hungaroring is a twisty circuit that is notoriously difficult for overtaking and a testing circuit for the engineers because of the extreme heat and the subsequent high system temperatures that need to be kept in check. With 14 corners, few straights and extreme heat, Panasonic Toyota Racing's drivers Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli will put their fitness training to the test at this grand prix, all the while competing for points, which have become increasingly precious. The team heads to the Hungarian Grand Prix looking to consolidate its position of 5th in the constructors' championship.

Ralf Schumacher (Car 7)

"Budapest is a beautiful city that I always like returning to for the race. There are plenty of things to do and see waysides of the track. The race itself has always been one of my favourites on the calendar, especially because there are so many fans there. One thing is always certain at this race and that is the extreme heat. You have to be really fit to drive in such high temperatures and still be able to concentrate at the end of the race. The Hungaroring is known for being one of the hardest circuits for overtaking, so it will be very important for us to secure a good grid position. Last year at this race I took my first podium with Toyota and I am hoping that we can repeat these results again this year."

Jarno Trulli (Car 8)

"After my race at Hockenheim, I'll be looking for a better finish in Hungary. I am not too familiar with the city of Budapest, but I have heard that many drivers like the nightlife outside of the track. I am sure we can expect another very hot weekend and therefore it will be very important for us to make sure the car's entire system temperatures are monitored and kept in line. The track is also challenging because it is very narrow, with lots of corners and although it's very difficult for overtaking it is still quite a fun circuit to drive. The track is known to be dusty but this can change as the dust blows around, thus making it quite tricky to get the car handling well and going quickly. We had good results here last year."

Pascal Vasselon - Senior General Manager Chassis

"The Hungaroring is very similar to Monaco in that qualifying pays an extremely important role as overtaking is notoriously difficult. Additionally, average speed and average brake temperatures are comparable to the Monaco Grand Prix. Whereas Monaco keeps the drivers awake with so many gear changes and braking maneouvres, the Hungaroring can be taxing for them due to the 14 corners in every lap and extreme temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius. Not only the drivers, but also the engineers have a challenging job setting up the car and making sure that air temperatures do not have an effect on the its running. All the temperatures inside the car rise dramatically in these conditions - engine, brakes, gearbox - so we have to monitor this carefully."