Can Toyota Win this year?

[RH1300S]

And I don't mean a lucky one, a win by being fastest to the flag.

It didn't occur to me before, but of course they have swapped to Bridgestones this year. I suspect that will confer some advantage.

They have a 2006 car that is being tested now (let's ignore testing times as everyone is doing something different - Ferrari have 2004 aero for example), they will have the budget to continue development in parallel through the season.

It's a Mike Gascoyne car; and properly this time.

The drivers are capable (even if I don't want to big-up Ralphy too highly )

So, can they do it pure race pace?

[manchild]

Ralf could win only if he starts from pole, exits the pits on P1 every time and meets non back marker till the end. Otherwise he'll nail someone without asking to bend over.

[Guest]

I agree with you comments regarding tyres, budget and Gascoyne. However, I have serious reservations regarding the driving talent at Toyota. Ralf and Jarno hav had enough time to proove themselves of high calibre and I have yet to be convinced. Toyota are very much worth watching this year and worth a punt. 2007 will more than likely be Toyota's year for potential championship honours when they get Kimi or, dare I say it, Schumacher M. They now have pretty much everything in the toolbox bar the nut that holds the wheel.

[RH1300S]

When I said the drivers were "capable", I meant no more than that They are quick enough to win with a car advantage, but if there is a real dog-fight against the likes of Alonso, MS or Kimi - it would be game over.

It really looks like Toyota are going to have to get a 1st class driver next year; but if they want to be sure of attracting the right attention it would help their case if they can give RS or JT a car that they can win with this year. That would have to get Kimi wondering just how handy a 2007 Toyota might be

[monkeyboy1976]

previuosly "Guest". Now I have my login sorted.

I agree. This year will definitely see a Toyota sun rising. It's good to see another real potential front runner coming in. The money they are investing also hopefully means they will stick around for a while. Especially with all the talk of Renault potentially quitting. I'm kind of glad I muffed the interview, interesting though it was.
I wonder which races will suit Toyota best and be the best chance for a win? Any good performances will ensure a top name lightbulb is attracted.

[DaveKillens]

I do expect the Toyota to be much improved, and capable of winning. But of course, it also depends on the other teams, what progress they have made. Last year we saw Ferrari drop the ball, and deliver a car that just didn't improve enough to keep up with the competition. So I expect everyone has learned from this lesson, and they will all attempt to have competitive cars.
And the drivers? I was under the impression that Ralf is invaluable in sorting out a car. That is his main strength, in testing, and driver feedback to the engineers. It is no secret he is fragile, he has to be properly motivated to win or get the maximum potential out of a car in a race. He has good days, he has bad days, and it's those bad days that bring into question the amount of money Toyota is paying him.
Toyota are much closer to winning than Honda, they may have won at Spa if not for the wrong tire and pit strategy. They are eliminating their weaknesses, and the technical aspect appears to be almost all there. Now, Toyota's first win will be determined by those who make the calls on race strategy, and the drivers.

[monkeyboy1976]

I read somewhere that Ralf's salary is second only to Michael's. If he's not worth it, he won't get another contract (whenever that is due). I see Ralf as a very capable driver but not outstanding, a kind of Damon Hill if you wish. With good equpiment he is great although his racecraft has yet to be fully proven!
I suppose he has suffered being in his brother's shadow.

[RH1300S]

lightbulb

Is that some kind of F1 talk for something you plug into the car

[Spencifer_Murphy]

LOL...Lightbulb is a term for driver, as in "Plug him in and the car will work". Sumtimes also called a bolt as in "he connects the wheel to the pedels".

But knowing my luck you already know this and were joking?! And I have just made a fool of myself

[jezzwa]

I believe Toyota will win a race this year but only when it is handed to them on a platter. The driver most likely to score the win is Jarno Trulli of course, Ralf is overpayed and overated.

[monkeyboy1976]

Nut is also used for drivers. Suggests a certain level of intelect also.

Bolt or "bolty" is also used for mechanics.

Check January copy of F1 Racing magazine for a funny F1 mechanics glossary.

My favourite was "Community Centre" used to describe the McLaren "communitcation centre/motorhome on steriods".
Also, "Youth Club" is used to describe GP2.

[RH1300S]

LOL...Lightbulb is a term for driver, as in "Plug him in and the car will work". Sumtimes also called a bolt as in "he connects the wheel to the pedels".

But knowing my luck you already know this and were joking?! And I have just made a fool of myself

Nah, I wasn't joking - It didn't take much working out either, sort of making conversation.........

If Toyota win, I would really like to see Jarno take it for them - I can't find it in myself to say much that is charitable about RS

[jezzwa]

I would really like to see Jarno take it for them - I can't find it in myself to say much that is charitable about RS

Trulli may not be the best driver in the pit lane but he is certainly one of the most down to earth drivers

[Spencifer_Murphy]

yeah...and he's quick..okay maybe only in quali, but thats still more often than Ralf!

[monkeyboy1976]

Trulli is indeed quick. I just hope he can gain enough confidence to carry that natural speed into a race scenario. His confidence was battered during his time at Renault due to the Alonso effect and not at all helped by the team/driver manager (which has also neutered Fisi in 2005).
Hopefully the Toyota this year will give him that confidence.
I will be watching with interest.