Interview with Jarno Trulli

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 Jarno Trulli, the Italian driver of the team who talks about the TF106, Bridgestone tyres and the V8.

Interview with Jarno Trulli

Impression of TF106?
"We have been testing with this car since December. First of all we have improved the front suspension which I didn't like in the last races. So we concentrated on the front suspension for myself and we solved the problem with the power steering system and new front suspension set-up. The chassis itself is believed to be really improvement with the rear end of the car which is more stable than before. Engine-wise I was surprised because I had bad thing about V8 engine in general you know normally you expect V8 engine with much less power. In fact we found a very good engine. Difference is not as big as I expected. It is drivable, powerful and also it is reliable. We have done a lot of mileage with no major problems. We are ready to race."

How about tyres?
"In the beginning they are sliding a little bit. But already in general with the new specification made a good step forward. It is not a question of grip but a handling. But I think at the moment we are learning how to use the tyres because before with Michelin car set-up...concept was different. Now Bridgestone are different set-up, different concept. Bridgestone are working very hard to develop the tyres. It is going in a right direction. As a team we are making the chassis which tyre works better. This is very important."

Do you think the front end difficulty which you suffered dialed out?
"I am not complaining any more since we have a modified front suspension. So far I'm feeling good. I am confident something I didn't have last races."

Have you got used to V8?
"It's always easy to get used to a lower power(laughter). So far it's good. Honestly I don't have vibration problem, power problem. Drivability is good. The engine feels like a very good engine at the moment."

Target?
"We have high expectations. Toyota is a strong company. Toyota has grown up especially last two years. Our expectations are high because in 2005 we finished fourth in the championship. With a bit of luck we could have finished third. So we have to step ahead because Toyota has strong resources. I think we can do it. At the moment it looks like we are going in the right direction. I am very happy about everything, happy about the package, tyres, chassis, engine. It is just the matter now waiting what the other teams capable of. Because obviously we have competitors like Ferrari, McLaren and Renault which at the moment the strongest team. But I believe Toyota can be the strongest team. We just have to wait and see what we are able to do. We are very confident for this year. I have given Toyota first podium, first pole position so waiting for the first victory. This year I really want to attack to the first victory."

You will have new aero package at the opening Grand Prix...
"That's why I am so confident. The car itself is very good, looking good. The new aero package 'sounds' good. I am very confident because the team is strong and atmosphere inside the team is good. I really believe we can do this year. We are ready. We brought a new car early in order to make it reliable for the first race. In first few races we may have advantage over the other team. We are ready to fight for the win."

http://www.f1technical.net/news/1762