Interview with Ralf Schumacher

The Panasonic Toyota Racing Team was the first team to launch their new challenger for the 2006 Formula One Season. Here follows an interview with Ralf Schumacher about the new car, the new season and the possibility of his first victory this year.

Interview with Ralf Schumacher

What are the impressions of TF106?
"Chassis in combination with rear end seems to be step forward. This is good. Obviously aerodynamically the car's not ready. We will see at the end of the testing period. Engine is very strong and reliable. That's good again. Tyre-wise it is going in the right direction. Certainly after five years of Michelin runners sometime I need to adopt new tyre, new situation. But in general we are really happy."

How do you think about the possibility of first victory this year?
"Possibility should be there. After last season being on the podium quite few times, definitely we should win. Everything is looking good. But we have to wait and see if other teams are doing."

Would you be disappointed if you do not win?
"Some extent yes. It is our clear timing it needs to win. We would be disappointed if we don't."

Qualifying format will change this year. Do you feel the benefit?
"Benefits are spectators. Ourselves are not. You have three chances in qualify basically you can make more mistakes which is very good."

Who do you think you will be fighting against?
"Same as last year I guess. We were very close to Ferrari last year. And hopefully we close the gap to McLaren and Renault."