Spanish GP: Toyota now knows it can win

Toyota continues its climb up the rankings in this 2009 season. The team is still in search of its first race victory. Less than two weeks ago, they came close in the desert of Bahrain. The conditions were right with a 100% Toyota front row on the starting grid and the two fastest lap times in the race by Trulli and Glock. Ultimately, it was only the 3rd and 7th places secured by the two drivers. There is still a slight lack of pace over the long stints.

On the Barcelona circuit, Toyota will bring some new parts but nothing compared to other teams like Ferrari or BMW. In the championship, it’s still a race for 2nd place in a battle that promises to be exciting against Red Bull.

Jarno Trulli – Racing Driver:

« It’s nice to return to Europe after races abroad, it makes things a bit easier for everyone. The first races of the season demonstrated the potential we have with our new car. We can now secure pole position or the fastest time in the race, as was the case in Bahrain. It was a good weekend that can only encourage us. We’ll see how things evolve in Barcelona, but we can be optimistic after our good results. »

« We conducted tests in Barcelona before the season but I must admit it’s unusual not to prepare for this race a few days beforehand. In the past, we would usually test right before the weekend, so everything was quite predictable, but it will be different this year. I must say that this season is fabulous so far because we are constantly fighting for the top spots. I am really looking forward to this Spanish Grand Prix. »

Timo Glock – Racing Driver

« After all the tests and races on this track over the past years, Barcelona is one of the circuits I know best. I am optimistic a few hours before the Spanish Grand Prix. I have scored points in the first four races of the season. Only two other drivers have done so, and I continue to hope for this weekend.

« But I hope to score a bit more than in Bahrain. It’s disappointing to finish only seventh starting from the front row, but the car’s potential is good. This motivates everyone to keep working because there is the possibility of excellent results. We will be upgrading the car this weekend so that it brings us something extra. We need to wait a bit since other teams will also be developing many elements. »

John Howett – President:

We made a good start to this 2009 season, but there is no doubt that we want more. We are close to our first victory and that is our goal for the rest of the year. We almost did it in Bahrain, but starting from pole position and setting the fastest lap, we showed that we are still a bit short in terms of pace over the entire race. We are working hard to address this issue.

« Thank you to the entire team for the fantastic work done over the winter. To date, our car is one of the fastest, and we have some aerodynamic improvements in the pipeline for Spain. We have an aggressive development program for the entire season, and I am confident that we will achieve our goals. »