Spanish Grand Prix - Preview
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."
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