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21.04.2008

GAIN IN SPAIN

Panasonic Toyota Racing returns to Europe this weekend for the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona after three flyaway races. For the first time since 1997, Spain holds two Grands Prix, with the Circuit de Catalunya ready for its 18th season on the calendar and the new street track in Valencia preparing for its debut. Consecutive top–six finishes for Jarno Trulli, allied to a strong race performance from Timo Glock in Bahrain, mean the team heads to Spain in confident mood, with more points expected. The first race of the European season traditionally sees changes made to most cars and the TF108 will feature a major aerodynamic upgrade, which includes a new front wing, engine cover and rear wheel rim covers, as well as improvements to the suspension and brakes. The updated TF108 was tested in Barcelona last week with Jarno and Timo spending two days each trying out the new package. Both drivers reported positive results, leaving the team optimistic for another strong performance this weekend.

Jarno Trulli (Car 11)

“I am very happy with my start to the season; the new car has been strong, the team has worked really well and we have got the results we deserved. But I am not getting carried away because I know we must continue to work hard to stay in this position and hopefully close the gap on the top three teams. We had a successful test in Barcelona last week with the new package so we should be in good shape this weekend, but the battle is so close we cannot afford any mistakes. I think we have proven we are leading the second group of cars at the moment so we should go to Spain expecting to qualify in the top 10 and finish in the points. It would be great to fight for the top six again but we’ll see how it goes because we are not quite on the same level as the leading teams at the moment.”

Timo Glock (Car 12)

“My performance in Bahrain was encouraging and I am sure I could have scored a point if I had not had the small gearbox problem. It was good to finish a race and fight in the top 10. I think we have improved since the start of the year and I hope my results continue to improve as well. I was disappointed not to make it to Q3 in Bahrain so that is my first target this weekend and then I want to challenge for points in the race. My two days testing last week were very positive and the car looked good with the new aero package so there’s no reason not to be optimistic again. It’s always difficult to judge in testing, especially when teams were using slick tyres and different fuel levels, but we seem to have made a good step. I have a good feeling for this weekend.”

Pascal Vasselon – Senior General Manager Chassis

“We are satisfied with our start to the season, and the points scored by Jarno in Malaysia and Bahrain validate our pre-season expectations. But beyond that, it is pleasing to see both Jarno and Timo setting competitive lap times from the very start of the season and I believe this gives us good reason to be optimistic now we are returning to Europe. It’s good to be racing in Europe again and Barcelona is usually a good test of how competitive your car really is, so it will be an interesting weekend. For the Spanish Grand Prix we will have a significant new aerodynamic package on the car. This is a major upgrade and all the most important aerodynamic devices on the car have been improved. We tested the new package at Barcelona last week and the results were in line with our expectations so we should see a performance increase. I expect us to build on our strong performances so far this season and hopefully score points with both cars.”