Zoom Toyota showing well at the high-speed circuits

Following a dismal run in Monte Carlo, the Toyota team bounced back impressively last time out in Turkey with Jarno Trulli qualifying fifth and taking the chequered flag one position higher. Team-mate Timo Glock was also in the points after a poor qualifying run, working his way up to finish in eighth position.

Heading to Silverstone this week, the German-based team expect to continue the Turkey trend as the sweeping turns of the Northamptonshire should suit the TF109 package.

“I expect our car should go well at Silverstone as we have been very competitive on circuits with similar characteristics, so I am fired up to fight at the front again,” said Trulli. “Silverstone is a special place to race because of the passionate fans and the history surrounding the track.”

This year’s Grand Prix is of course scheduled to be the final race at Silverstone for the foreseeable future as Donington Park takes over the British Grand Prix next season. The Italian veteran admits that he is not a fan of the former airfield-turned Grand Prix circuit, but does recognise its place in the history of the sport.

“Personally I am not a huge fan of Silverstone and it hasn't always been kind to me, although I was one of the fastest cars last year in the wet,” Trulli continued. “But it is an important circuit to Formula One and it will be a loss. If this is the last Grand Prix at Silverstone for a while, I hope I can leave there with some happy memories."

With the TF09 showing well on the high-speed circuits, Trulli may well get his wish. "We expect to be strong at the British Grand Prix because the lay-out should suit our package,” explained Chassis Manager Pascal Vasselon. “So far this season we have been extremely competitive at tracks which require high aero efficiency so we have high hopes for Silverstone.”

“With the exception of Monaco we have been strong at all tracks and Turkey was a return to form for us,” Vasselon continued. “Even though we are in the top three in terms of performance we are still missing a little in order to be systematically contending to win. That is our target and we are working hard to close the gap. We expect to build on our Turkish performance and deliver a genuinely competitive car this weekend."

Toyota are a solid third in the constructors’ championship, 12 points clear of Ferrari while Trulli and Glock hold down fifth and sixth positions in the drivers’ standings behind the Brawn Mercedes and Red Bull Renault drivers. With one point from the last three races, Glock is looking to close the gap to his team-mate.

“It was unfortunate my qualifying didn't go as planned in Istanbul because I could have been up with Jarno in the top six but I am really motivated to make sure everything goes to plan this weekend,” said the German. “The front of the grid is pretty close at the moment so if we get the maximum from our package then we can be battling with the fastest cars."

Earl ALEXANDER
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