Assessment: Toyota doesn’t score, but Kobayashi impresses!

Toyota’s ambitions were particularly high, especially after very good qualifications for Trulli and Kobayashi, a Formula 1 newcomer. Unfortunately, Trulli and Sutil collided, ruining the Italian’s race forever, as he was in the running for a potential podium finish.

Kamui Kobayashi did more than just “replace”! He impressed at the wheel of the Toyota, to the point of engaging in a very nice battle with the brand new world champion Jenson Button. Ultimately, Kobayashi secured a fine 9th place after Heikki Kovalainen’s disqualification.

Jarno Trulli – Retirement:

« I am extremely frustrated by what happened today because I had a good chance to fight for the podium. In the first lap, Adrian Sutil was very slow in turn 4, and he was battling with Kimi Räikkönen. He was on the inside so I wanted to take the outside, but he pushed me into the grass and I lost control of the car. I seriously think there was enough room for both of us without pushing.

Kamui Kobayashi – 9th:

«It was a complicated race for me. As it was my first Grand Prix, I experienced many things for the first time in F1. It was a learning experience. Physically, it was a very long race. My goal was to finish the race, and I am happy to have achieved that. A hint of disappointment haunts me because I couldn’t score any points. Overall, I am satisfied with my weekend, and I want to thank the team for all their support.»

Tadashi Yamashina – Team Director:

«It’s quite disappointing not to score a single point here, but we had high goals. Jarno was unlucky in the first lap, and we all feel sorry for him. Kamui did a great job on a track he didn’t know and in difficult conditions. I am proud of his efforts.»