Toyota are determined to grab some points at the glamorous circuit that is Monaco after a disappointing weekend in Spain. The team’s 100% reliability record for 2007 ended when both Trulli and Schumacher had to retire. The only consolation for the team was that Trulli showed a flash of pace in qualifying.
The narrow streets and tight corners of Monaco make it a unique challenge in Formula 1 and Toyota will be running a Monaco-specific aerodynamic package this weekend with revised front and rear wings. They are hoping that this package will help them qualify well and help them add to their current total of 5 championship points.
“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,” said Pascal Vasselon. “We will have a special aerodynamic package on the car because the requirements of Monaco are so special. 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 Monao 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 tenths 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.”
