Toyota cannot be the leader in 2008 … according to Glock

Timo Glock believes that Toyota will not be able to close the gap between its level of performance and that of the teams at the front of the grid.

The TF108 failed to shine during the pre-season winter testing, despite the high hopes that a new design would help the team take a step forward.

Glock is confident that the new design will be profitable in the long term, even if he believes that the team will start the 2008 season in the same position as it finished the previous one.

« All the other teams, every year, make a leap in terms of performance, » said the German in an interview with Australian media as part of a ‘preview’ of the Melbourne Grand Prix.

For us, when we compare the 2007 car with the 2008 one, we have taken a step forward, but on the other hand, all the other teams have taken a step forward as well.

Glock believes that the fact the team is still grappling with their new car means there are great development opportunities throughout the year.

« We completely changed the concept, particularly on the aerodynamics of the car. I think that Formula 1 is so complex that it’s difficult to understand on a day-to-day basis, » he added.

« For the moment, this is the point we are trying to work on as much as possible. That is to say, understanding the car in order to be competitive in Australia. »

However, he remains convinced that the 2008 single-seater has made great progress compared to last year’s.

« There is more stability during braking, but in the end, I think we have improved a little everywhere. »

Speaking on behalf of his teammate Jarno Trulli, Glock stated: « He has the same comments as me. He says the car has made a step forward but we still need to improve. »