Is Toyota's pace genuine?

[Frank_White]

Obviously they are genuinely fast over one lap. However there is a large question mark over whether they can maintain such a high level of pace over a race distance.

TGF, expressed the view that during the race the Toyota's will get "slower, slower and slower".

I doubt that very much, and I for one expect Toyota to take a podium this weekend. Considering Mike G approach to testing, to me it is obvious that his emphasis is on the performance of the car over a race distance. Therefore, if anything, I expect Toyota to be even more impressive during the race.

[Hugh Jarce]

I hope so - it would really mix the whole thing up and with the cash they have surely it can only get better.

[StickShift]

Yes, I believe Toyota have arrived as front runners in F1. They had the pace throughout the weekend at Melbourne (even if they lucked onto P2), and once the race started, they were clearly the second fastest car until Trulli pitted (he was the first to stop, but only by a lap). If it wasn't for Trulli's tyre delaminating, Toyota could've very well been on the podium at Melbourne.

This weekend, they've been on the pace during all the sessions. Put two very consistant qualifying laps up. I believe they could do very well this Grand Prix, and perhaps get a podium position.

[BootsOntheSide]

They usually do flatter to decieve in qualifying, and Trulli in particular is associated with being excellent in qualifying but merely 'quite good' in the race. While they looked impressive this time, in all the sessions so far, tehre are question marks remaining - in particular, have they set the car up to handle well initially, but perhaps oversteer as the rear tyres wear out (which has been their problem in the past; the ITV commentary noted that Alonso had intentionally included some understeer in teh initial setup, as this will go as the race continues)? They are clearly a genuine top 5 threat, and the podium could come, but I'll remain reserved until we've seen the race.

[Knowlesy]

Toyotas pace, for me, is pretty genuine. But it is spoiled by the tyre wear problems at present.

I can see Toyota getting stronger and stronger as the season goes on. They should be podium contenders by mid-season if they can cure their problems.

[Snrub]

But in Melbourn Trulli wasn't actually that fast and presumably he burnt up the tires trying to keep up with Fisi's casual pace. This is why I find this so surprising, they have legitimate pace and fuel loads have nothing to do with it. It's quiet conceivable that as MS has suggested, Toyota's pace may be higher in qualifying than during the race. Recall in 2002 how successful Williams was in qualifying. Given that passing will likely be impossible, it probably won't matter as much as it would have in the last few years.

[ralf fan]

They have the pace over a single lap....and if theyve managed to solve their tyre wear problem they certainly will be challengers....

[ralf fan]

Originally Posted by BootsOntheSide

They are clearly a genuine top 5 threat, and the podium could come, but I'll remain reserved until we've seen the race.

and lets not forget there still is another qually session to come.... and with the gaps being so small one small mistake could cost them several places on the grid... Jarno and RS still have to deliver tommorow morining in qually 2

[touringlegend]

They said pre-season that they wanted to finish the season "as the second quickest" team in F1. They've cracked how to do that in Qualifying, to me it's only a matter of time before they translate that to Race results. Unless of course, the tyre wear is an incurable design 'fault' in the car ?

[GP Racer]

Originally Posted by Frank_White

TGF, expressed the view that during the race the Toyota's will get "slower, slower and slower".

Maybe little brother Ralf told Michael that he expects the Toyota to get slower and slower, as the race wore on. They are brothers, and brothers talk.

I mean, how else would Michael know this, or even suspect it?

[Marbot]

I think Trullis problem in Melbourne was an isolated one-off.

Post first qually they seem to be quite optimistic for the second qually and during practice they did some tyre evaluation which suggests they'll be OK in the race also.

During winter testing they did have some problems with rear tyre wear,but the TF105 is a different beast now.

[Marbot]

Originally Posted by GP Racer

Maybe little brother Ralf told Michael that he expects the Toyota to get slower and slower, as the race wore on. They are brothers, and brothers talk.

I mean, how else would Michael know this, or even suspect it?

Ralf seems to have a habit of letting TGF know how things are with his car.Can't imagine Toyota would be too pleased with that,maybe he's just bluffing.

[alesi95]

Originally Posted by martyn bott

I think Trullis problem in Melbourne was an isolated one-off.

Post first qually they seem to be quite optimistic for the second qually and during practice they did some tyre evaluation which suggests they'll be OK in the race also.

During winter testing they did have some problems with rear tyre wear,but the TF105 is a different beast now.

I (grudingly) Agree. Ralf didnt have any real tyre issues in Melbourne, his seat belt came loose and he had to pit.
However i still think their single lap pace flatters their race pace ever so slightly.

[Hugh Jarce]

What's interesting is the apparant sense of optimism in the team. That's such an importnat thing. They believe that points and podiums can be on - which after last season's performance is a real turnaround.

I think that was such a feature at BAR last year.

In the same way, could Toyota surprise and leapfrog the mid-pack and start competing with the big-lads? I think so.