Trulli and Glock back to work in the Middle East
Panasonic Toyota Racing was back in action at the Bahrain International Circuit today for the start of another three-day test. Race drivers Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock were behind the wheel on a hot and sunny day in the Middle East to resume the team’s programme of set-up development.
The warm weather also gave the team another chance to monitor the cooling characteristics of the TF108, which features a revised cooling lay-out. As well as looking at different mechanical set-ups, aerodynamic work was also carried out and some development items evaluated while practice pit stops took place after the day’s running had ended in preparation for a Grand Prix simulation tomorrow. Another trouble-free day saw Jarno and Timo complete their full programmes, gathering useful set-up information, and both drivers will continue preparations for the new season tomorrow.
Jarno Trulli - Chassis TF108-03
Best Lap Time: 1min 32.382s
Position: 3rd
Total laps: 73
“Today has gone well. We did a lot of set-up and aerodynamic work, comparing different settings to get more information. Our target was to do as many laps as possible so we learn more about which areas we have to improve. I think we know what direction to go in and we are working hard on this. We did all the laps we planned and no more because we are limited on kilometres during the year so we have to consider this, especially as the TF108 has been quite reliable so far.”
Timo Glock - Chassis TF108-02
Best Lap Time: 1min 32.762s
Position: 4th
Total laps: 75
“It has been quite a good day and the positive thing is we did all the set-up tests we planned to. We are continuing to make progress with understanding the car and understanding the effect of different set-up changes. The track was a little dusty in the morning but apart from that we have had very good conditions for testing so that helps. I am pretty pleased with how things have gone so far and I feel we are making good progress. I hope this will continue for the next two days.”
Dieter Gass, Chief Engineer Race and Test “Overall we have had another productive day, working through our programme of mechanical and aerodynamic set-up changes. It is good to see the weather continue to improve because we came to Bahrain for warm weather and now we have it. This is useful for us because not only are we sure of a full day’s testing but also because it gives us a good chance to look at the cooling on the new car, which is different to the TF107.”
