Toyota aiming for more points in Monaco

[davewilson]

Panasonic Toyota Racing heads to the most glamorous weekend of the season determined to return to points-scoring form in the Monaco Grand Prix after its disappointing weekend in Spain.

The team’s 100% reliability record in 2007 ended with retirement for Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli in Barcelona but some encouragement came from with Jarno’s impressive qualifying display.

The tight Principality streets are a unique challenge on the Formula 1 calendar and Toyota will use a Monaco-specific aerodynamic package this weekend, including revised front and rear wings where they expects a return to form and hope to add to their tally of five points so far in 2007.

“I am looking forward to Monaco because for me it is the highlight of the season. It is truly something different and it’s a great place to be. We will have a special aerodynamic package on the car because the requirements of Monaco are so special,” said Pascal Vasselon. “Principally, that means there will be changes to the front and rear wings. The factors that determine performance in Monaco are completely different to all other races.”

“Engine power and aerodynamics are slightly less important in Monaco than elsewhere so you are left with tyres and drivers as the key factors. In Spain the new aero package worked well, it gave us two or three extra 10ths as expected. We were not able to demonstrate this clearly in the race but Jarno’s lap in qualifying showed we have made an improvement, especially when you consider we had a similar fuel strategy to the front cars. In Monaco we have to show this in the race and get back into the points.”