Toyota Report – First Great Performance of the Year!

Trulli is the surprise of this Sepang race as the Italian finishes just off the podium, allowing his team to score their first points in the Constructors’ Championship. Nothing stood in the way of the Roman’s determination, neither a bad start nor a desperate Hamilton in the final laps of the race.

Glock, on the other hand, was less fortunate for the second time in a week. Williams’ Rosberg shattered his chances this Sunday.

Toyota seems to be in very good shape at the start of the 2008 season and is even talking about a level of competitiveness equal to that demonstrated in 2005. They will need to confirm these statements in two weeks in Bahrain.

Jarno Trulli – 4th:

« It’s great to be back in the points after a solid race. I am particularly happy for the team. This result is primarily due to their work over the winter, and I dedicate my performance to them. I had a bit of a scare at the first corner when I lost a little control of my car and touched Nick Heidfeld. »

« Then, I was able to stay in sync with the McLarens. We managed to get past Mark Webber thanks to the pit stop strategy. In the end, it was a great battle with Lewis Hamilton. He was obviously a bit faster than me, but I gave it my all and stayed in fourth place. »

Timo Glock – retirement:

Unfortunately, it was a rather short afternoon for me. The start wasn’t perfect, I lacked grip, I made contact with someone, but I was able to continue. Then, on the 14th lap, I was hit from behind by Nico Rosberg. When I looked at him in the rearview mirror, he was further back and I didn’t expect him to catch up to me so quickly.

« My rear suspension was damaged and I had to retire. Once again, the qualifying went well but I couldn’t confirm in the race. Now, we just have to hope for a bit more luck in Bahrain. »

Tadashi Yamashina – Team principal

« This race makes up for the disappointment in Australia. Everyone in the team is very satisfied with this result after such a great race. The last kilometers with Hamilton behind Jarno correspond exactly to the kind of battle I particularly enjoy. I want to thank Jarno for this excellent performance. »

« He lost ground at the first corner, but then he was quick throughout the race. The strategy and pit stops were perfect. Unfortunately for Timo, the situation is not as encouraging with the breakage of a component in his rear suspension, but that’s racing. »

The next time, he will do better, I am sure of it. We are heading to Bahrain and it is important to maintain this momentum. We will try to get both our cars into Q3 and then aim for points like today.