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Panasonic
Toyota Racing returns to action after Formula 1's summer break with the
European Grand Prix on the streets of Valencia, Spain this weekend. The
European Grand Prix was held for the last nine years at the Nürburgring
in Germany but switches to Spain this weekend at the new 5.419km
circuit on the streets around the city's America's Cup port.
The
circuit, which boasts 25 corners, takes the cars around the waterfront
and even across the mouth of the harbour, over a distinctive swing
bridge. With a glamorous location and yachts moored just metres away,
the venue has drawn comparisons to Monaco but the characteristics of
the circuit itself are likely to be very different, with a top speed of
over 320km/h predicted and downforce in the middle of the range. That
means the aerodynamic package will be similar to the one used at
Hockenheim, but with some small updates throughout and with the option
to use the ‘shark fin' engine cover again. After a 10-point haul in
Hungary, which saw Timo Glock equal the team's best result of second
place, expectations are high this weekend and Toyota aims to leave
Valencia with more points.
Jarno Trulli (Car 11):
"The track looks amazing and the location is fantastic so I am really
looking forward to this Grand Prix. The team has worked hard to prepare
for this race because it is a new track for all of us but from a
driver's point of view the important thing is to drive it for the first
time and then you can start to understand more about the circuit. I
enjoy going to new venues because they are a new challenge and there is
always something to discover; every race is unique and I like that.
Even though this is a new track for us, I know Valencia pretty well
from all the testing we have done at the other circuit there. It is a
lively city and there always seems to be something going on so it
should be a fun weekend. I am expecting a competitive weekend as well
because at the moment we are looking quite strong. Scoring more points
is our target and if we challenge for the
podium again, that would be great."
Timo Glock (Car 12):
"I'm still smiling after Hungary. That was an incredible result and a
fantastic feeling; I hope it will be the first of many podiums in
Formula 1. The important thing was that we showed just how competitive
we are at the moment and moved further ahead in fourth place in the
Constructors' Championship. There is a great atmosphere in the team and
we are all working hard together to move forward, which is why it was
so satisfying to get on the podium in Hungary. But Valencia is a new
race and we must start again. I did plenty of street races when I was
racing in Champ Cars and in that season almost all the tracks were new
to me so I have learnt to adapt quickly. It looks like an interesting
circuit and it's quite long so it should be a good show. We will have
plenty of work to do on Friday to adjust the car to the track but we
are in good form at the moment so I am
optimistic for this weekend."
Pascal Vasselon - Senior General Manager Chassis:
"We are well prepared for Valencia. Of course, we started our
preparations for this new track by looking at the FIA information and
that allowed us to put forward some speed profiles in order to estimate
downforce and braking requirements, for example. We also sent staff to
look at the inaugural race meeting there at the end of July and that
gave us additional data with regards to speed profiles, driving lines
and track surface. We expect the track to be in the mid range of
downforce and quite severe on brakes. At the beginning we anticipate
grip will be quite low but that should improve throughout the weekend.
In terms of performance, we clearly want to build on the
competitiveness shown in Hungary. We are genuinely challenging to be
the third quickest car based on the last few races. Valencia will also
show how well teams can react to
new conditions so it will be an interesting weekend and we have every
reason to be feeling very positive."
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