Glock: « Difficulties will be numerous in the short term »

Timo Glock has warned that Toyota could take a step back at the beginning of 2008, particularly caused by the adaptation time to the TF108, which is very different from the 2007 car.

The team took a new direction with the TF108 after two disappointing seasons, and although Glock considered his initial tests in the new car as positive, he admitted that there was still a lot of work to be done.

« It is clear that we cannot think the new car will bring a certain renewal. We might be five seconds faster, » said Glock to reporters in Jerez.

« It’s a completely different car from the one in 2007, and first of all, we need to know how the car behaves and how we can improve it. »

She has a longer wheelbase, and it’s therefore completely different from an aerodynamic perspective. We need to understand that and how it works, and only then improve it, he continued.

« Overall, everything is much more coherent. The positive side is that the single-seater is more stable at the rear, which makes it a bit easier to drive. I think that identifying the problems is a bit easier with this car than with the old car. »

Glock is convinced that Toyota has decided to make a fresh start with their 2008 design. It will ultimately pay off.

« It would be a disappointment to be slower this year than last year, but that’s not the case at the moment, » he said.

« The question is how the other teams are developing their car. The fact is that we have a new car, and the aerodynamic package is also completely new. »

« It might be a small step back, but in the end, it will pay off when we understand how the car works and how to make it faster. »

The German is nevertheless satisfied with the car during yesterday’s tests and thinks that Toyota already has a clear idea for improvement.

« We know where we need to develop the car a little more, and this is quite positive, » added the latest GP2 winner.

Glock remains convinced that Toyota can be victorious in the long term.

« We still need to make efforts in the coming months. What is clear is that we must work even harder than all the other teams. The first results will only be visible in two or three months. »

« But I am very happy because the team is very motivated. It is a pleasure to work with them, » concluded Glock.