F1: Toyota to show their hand at Sepang

[Rory Phoulorie]

Wednesday 4th April 2007

Toyota will have a better idea of their pace relative to other teams at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Winter testing did not go to plan for the Japanese outfit and technical director Pascal Vasselon remains disappointed with the team's performance despite Ralf Schumacher picking up a point at the Australian Grand Prix

"I think it (performance) has been just acceptable," said Vasselon.

"We are not where we want to be in terms of performance because we are aiming to challenge the top teams, but on the other hand our level was better than the general assessment before we went to Melbourne.

"We know where we are now and can fight to close the gap to the top teams.

"We have a major update planned for race four, Barcelona, and then, as is normal now, we will have small upgrades at each race."

The Cologne-based squad expect to have a better understanding of their pace at Sepang because of Melbourne's unique effect on the Bridgestone tyres.

"At the start of the season there are always question marks about the warming up of tyres and their temperature range," he explained.

"That's because in winter testing we run in lower temperatures than the tyres are designed for.

"Melbourne is also a place where, historically, the tyre warm-up is difficult because it's never that hot and the surface is quite smooth.

"Sepang is therefore the first race that really tells you how the car behaves without warming up issues.

"When you go there you know that the tyres will work so you get a better idea of the total performance package."

http://www.planet-f1.com/story/0,18954,3213_2037391,00.html