Panasonic Toyota Racing will line up with both cars inside the top eight for the Spanish Grand Prix after a closely-fought qualifying session at the Circuit de Catalunya today. Having fine-tuned the set-up of the TF109 overnight and in final practice, Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock took to the track on a sunny day with a slight breeze which saw track temperatures reach 41°C and air temperatures 21°C. The first qualifying session was typically hectic and, after starting with the hard Bridgestone Potenza, they made it into Q2 using the soft options. The battle to reach the top 10 was particularly tense but, again using the soft tyres, Jarno and Timo delivered on their last flying laps to progress, with Timo breaking into the top three. The final session saw three flying laps each on used soft tyres before one final flat-out run on a new set in the closing moments, which delivered promising grid positions for tomorrow’s race.
Jarno Trulli
“It was an interesting and tough qualifying session for me today, particularly Q1 and Q2 when I struggled a little on a low fuel load but we made it into Q3 which is the main thing. In Q3 the grip was much better with more fuel on board and the car reacted well so I was able to push hard. At the end of the session I managed to put in a very good lap so I am pleased with my performance and I think seventh on the grid is pretty good considering the fuel I have on board. I believe my strategy is a good one so today’s result was positive and I am optimistic for a good result in the race.”
Timo Glock
“I am reasonably satisfied to be starting in the top six, especially as the practice sessions didn’t go completely to plan. I struggled a bit in practice with car stability but we worked hard to improve that and qualifying sixth is not a bad result so we have to be happy with it. Obviously we hoped to be a bit closer to the front but other teams have made a step forward this weekend and the competition is really close. I’ve scored points in all the races so far this season and starting from the third row gives me a good opportunity to keep up that run. Finishing on the podium will not be easy but of course I’ll be pushing as hard as possible and we’ll see what happens in the race tomorrow.”
Pascal Vasselon - Senior General Manager Chassis
“All in all our qualifying performance went well and we are reasonably satisfied to have both cars in the top eight. It has been a busy weekend for us because we had several new aerodynamic items to evaluate in practice and we have done a lot of laps in preparation for the race. Prior to qualifying the practice results didn’t look fantastic for us but we have worked well to be competitive again when it mattered. In terms of track and tyre characteristics here, we are in a situation which clearly opens a window for two or three pit stops so the race will be very interesting and we will probably see some different strategies. We believe we are in good shape so I am feeling positive.”
Jarno Trulli (Car 9, Chassis TF109-06)
3rd Practice: 6th, 1m 21.256s (+0.703s), 23 laps
1st Qualifying: 15th, 1m 21.189s (+0.705s), 10 laps
2nd Qualifying: 9th, 1m 20.420s (+0.466s), 7 laps
3rd Qualifying: 7th, 1m 21.254s (+0.727s), 8 laps
Timo Glock (Car 10, Chassis TF109-05)
3rd Practice: 8th, 1m 21.377s (+0.824s), 26 laps
1st Qualifying: 8th, 1m 20.877s (+0.393s), 10 laps
2nd Qualifying: 3rd, 1m 20.107s (+0.153s), 7 laps
3rd Qualifying: 6th, 1m 21.247s (+0.720s), 8 laps
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