2009 cars very difficult to drive on wet track

Jarno Trulli finds the 2009 Toyota car, the TF109, almost impossible to drive in the wet conditions of Portimao, but is convinced that the car has good potential.

The first major test session of 2009 has been spoiled by bad weather since the beginning of the week. Trulli has noted that the reduction in aerodynamics and grip under the new rules makes the situation difficult.

There is a significant decrease in grip and adhesion. In the current conditions in Portimao, it is very difficult to achieve the correct tire temperature. Driving is almost impossible, that’s my first impression!

But despite his concerns about this new generation of cars, Trulli is optimistic about Toyota’s prospects for the next season.

« The car does not seem to have major issues and Kamui Kobayashi managed his practice sessions well. So I want to say that we are quite confident for this new year. »

We just need to find ourselves in warm conditions. In Bahrain, during upcoming tests, that will likely be the case.

Trulli also hopes that these regulation changes will help improve the spectacle during Formula 1 races, while his teammate Timo Glock is concerned about too short a braking distance during overtaking.

« We are going to see some overtaking maneuvers and spectacular races. »

« Before, if we missed the start or had a poor first part of the race, we couldn’t make up for it because overtaking was impossible, » he stated.

However, Glock is more skeptical, believing that the revision of the wings is not enough to make a difference.

There is a big regulatory change in F1 this year, notably with aerodynamics, and everyone hopes that it will be possible to overtake more.

« My feeling is that there won’t be a big change in terms of overtaking because it’s still possible to brake hard with these cars and especially with these tires in the corners.