Chinese GP – Toyota is more motivated than ever

After a very difficult Japanese Grand Prix for the Toyota team, regrouping is the key word ahead of the Chinese GP, which is happening in a few days.

Toyota will race with the same setups as at Fuji, but the tire combinations will change.

The end of the season is in sight and the team is determined to finish on a high note. The 5th place held by Red Bull in the constructors’ championship now seems difficult to reach. However, in the drivers’ standings, everything remains open for Schumacher or Trulli as the German has just announced his departure from the team. Hence, it’s important to finish positively.

Ralf Schumacher

« The Shanghai International Circuit highlights truly impressive services. For the team, the garages and offices are perfect and are undoubtedly the best equipped in the world. The circuit itself is a real challenge for all drivers. »

« It has some technically demanding corners. It is important not to make mistakes that could lead to severe consequences. It’s a place where racing is a real pleasure, and I am looking forward to it with great interest. We haven’t been very lucky as the break between the Japanese and Chinese Grand Prix is short. »

« I am looking forward to this race and I hope to get a good result. The result in Japan was very disappointing, especially since it was our home race. The weather was terrible on Saturday and Sunday but the conditions are the same for everyone. Let’s hope we have better weather in Shanghai. »

Jarno Trulli

It is good to be back in China, on one of the best circuits we visit in terms of facilities. The track itself is also quite special because there are turns you won’t find anywhere else, like turn 1.

It’s a challenge to find the best setup for Shanghai due to the combination of slow sectors and long straights. We are almost at the end of the season, and we experienced a very frustrating weekend in Japan. This season has been difficult, but I would like to finish it with good results, and I believe we have the potential to achieve that in China.

Pascal Vasselon – Technical Director

Shanghai is a unique circuit in terms of track layout, but in terms of most car parameters, such as brake usage and engine demands, the circuit is average. There are two long straights in Shanghai, but you’ll find an interesting situation due to turn 13.

« We are full of hope to achieve a good result. We will use the same specifications on the car as those used at the Fuji Speedway due to the short time between the two races. The challenging conditions experienced in Japan disrupted the evaluation of our setups but will be closely observed starting Friday during testing. »