Malaysian GP – Toyota, a team on the rise?

Besides the favorites like Ferrari and McLaren, the battle promises to be fierce among a large number of teams to grab the remaining three spots and thus be part of the top 5. Toyota seems capable of being part of this top 5.

Certainly, the results in Melbourne were more than mediocre with two retirements (but that was the case for many other teams as well!), but the team displays an additional serenity compared to 2007. Having achieved a good qualifying session thanks to its drivers, Toyota wants to make it two in a row, but this time demands results… that is to say, scoring points.

Jarno Trulli – racing driver

« I prefer the Sepang race, but I’m not a fan of the climate there, with the heat and humidity. These factors make it one of the toughest races of the year. Australia was already a very hot weekend, but in Malaysia, this heat will also be humid. »

« Sepang is a modern Formula 1 circuit with very good facilities. It is also a technically difficult circuit to drive, with some corners offering sensations that are unmatched elsewhere. »

In Australia, the TF108 had great potential, as we had already observed with the tests. But here in Sepang, it’s a different kind of track compared to Albert Park. On Friday, we will need to be efficient to achieve the best possible setup for this race. The result in Melbourne is disappointing with this retirement because I was competing for points. I believe we will be very competitive this weekend, so I think I can score points.

Timo Glock – racing driver:

« I have never raced at Sepang, it will be the first time. However, I did some testing on this circuit in 2004. I am looking forward to it because it is apparently an interesting track to drive. From what I remember, the track is wide but it is also very challenging for the driver because there are tight corners.

« We are going to a country where the heat and humidity are so extreme that I think it will be one of the most difficult races of the season. »

« The race in Australia was very tough for me, and it was unfortunate that it ended that way, but I am hopeful for a better result this weekend. »

Pascal Vasselon – Team Manager:

« The Malaysian Grand Prix is always a challenge for all teams due to the atmospheric conditions, but we got a taste of that in Australia. Usually, we expect an ambient temperature between 32°C and 36°C, but the most remarkable thing has been the ground temperature, which has generally been 55°C, very hot for the tires. »

These conditions are also challenging for the other elements of the package because the high temperatures place heavy demands on the setup of the single-seater and the brake cooling fluid.

« We will have the same package as in Australia but we saw in Melbourne that our TF108 has great potential. Certainly, the expected results were not achieved. I am convinced that we have a competitive car and I expect our team to score points.