History: The Malaysian Grand Prix has been a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar since 1999, with Sepang hosting its 11th Grand Prix this year. Prior to that the Malaysian Grand Prix was an event for other racing series, running intermittently from 1962-1995.
Panasonic Toyota Racing is quickly in action again with the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang following just days after the season got under way in Australia. Toyota has proud memories of Sepang, which was the scene for its first Formula 1 podium back in 2005 when Jarno finished second. Last year Jarno again showed his mastery of Malaysia by finishing a superb fourth place while Timo suffered an unlucky retirement when another car caused an accident.
Jarno Trulli (Car 9): “I generally go really well in Malaysia and I have had some strong results there so I am approaching this race with great confidence. We achieved a great breakthrough in Malaysia in 2005 when I got the team’s first podium in Formula 1 so I have good memories which will inspire me this weekend. Of course one of the big topics in Malaysia is the heat and humidity, which is quite a challenge for the drivers. It’s not easy but that’s why I train so much over the winter; I’m fit and it will be fine. Australia was a weekend of highs and lows but we showed that we are very competitive and I hope we can do that again this weekend.”
Timo Glock (Car 10): “I don’t have much experience of racing in Malaysia because I was taken out so early last year, but from the practice and qualifying I know the conditions are quite extreme. It’s also pretty tough on the cars and tyres as well but I can adapt quickly to different conditions and different tracks so I’m ready for the challenge. I said before the season started that our car looked pretty good and the performance we showed in Australia proved that. It’s great to have good points on the board already this season and my goal is obviously to add to that this weekend. We have every reason to be optimistic.”
John Howett, President: “Australia was a very challenging weekend for the team but we responded extremely well to it and the performance was a credit to everyone. We showed extremely strong pace in the race and all our work has clearly delivered a competitive car which we expect to show again in Malaysia.”
Moving Forward This year the TF109s will feature messages from local Toyota distributors to support their marketing efforts and to thank them for their continuing support of Panasonic Toyota Racing. This weekend, Toyota in Malaysia brings ‘Toyota Moving Forward’ to the race track. The logo can be seen on the rear wing end plates and the driver’s head protection of the TF109.
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