Jerez Test – Day 3
Wednesday 16 January 2008
Location: Circuito Permanente de Jerez, Spain
Drivers: Timo Glock, Kamui Kobayashi
Track length: 4.428km
GLOCK-ING OFF IN STYLE
Panasonic Toyota Racing brought its first test of 2008 to
a close on positive note with Timo Glock setting the fastest
time of the day in the new TF108 at Jerez in Spain today.
Timo’s task was to gain as much track time as possible
with the new car while also comparing set-up changes and mechanical
settings. Kamui Kobayashi was in the TF107 for its final planned
official test but rain in the morning led him to sit out the
first two hours. With a new car to test, Timo was immediately
down to work on the wet track and he made good progress on
a lengthy programme before a spin into the gravel just before
lunch. No damage was done and after the TF108 was cleaned
and checked he resumed, with Kamui now on track looking into
set-up and fine-tuning the new gearbox and ECU. Another trouble-free
run from TF108 saw Timo end the day on 96 laps, meaning the
new car has clocked up an impressive total of over 1,500km
over four days. The team will be in action again in Valencia
next week when two TF108s are expected to be tested.
Timo Glock - Chassis TF108/02
Best Lap Time: 1min 19.779s
Position: 1st
Total laps: 96
Total distance: 425.088km
“I am pleased with our progress today and I believe
we have made some significant improvements to the new car.
It is encouraging to see us end the day with the fastest lap
and I think we made a step forward. Once again the car was
extremely reliable and that allowed us to complete a lot of
laps and gather plenty of information. This is a completely
different car compared to the TF107 but it is a good step
forward and we know what we need to work on to improve. I
made a small mistake in the morning on the damp track when
the rear wheels locked and I spun but it didn’t cost
us much time. The team worked really hard this week to improve
the car and I am happy.”
Kamui Kobayashi - Chassis TF107/06
Best Lap Time: 1min 20.577s
Position: 7th
Total laps: 53
Total distance: 234.684km
“The rain in the morning meant there was not much point
in me going out in the TF107 because it is not possible to
make accurate set-up judgements in such conditions. So I waited
and when the track began to dry I was able to start my programme.
Overall it went well and we have had a positive test. I think
we have learned some things during my two days and now I am
looking forward to getting the chance to drive the TF108 in
the coming tests. Both Timo and Jarno have been pretty positive
about it so I can’t wait.”
Gerd Pfeiffer, Test Team Manager
“We have had a very productive four days here at Jerez
with the new car, including the roll-out. It has been a promising
start to the year and we have made good progress understanding
the TF108. But this is only the first step and we know we
have more work to do in the next five pre-season tests to
improve the car’s performance. Today was another busy
day for Timo with the new car and he has conducted some important
set-up work, including an impressive lap in the afternoon.
Kamui did fewer laps because of the damp conditions but he
completed the programme we had planned for him.”
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