Panasonic Toyota Racing gave a full testing debut to the new TF107 car at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia today to begin the team’s testing programme for 2007 on a positive note. After Ralf Schumacher’s shakedown of the TF107 earlier this month, today was the turn of Jarno Trulli and new third driver Franck Montagny to get their first taste of the car which Toyota expects to bring success this season. Both drivers had to wait to sample the car’s potential as light rain and cold morning temperatures restricted them to just one installation lap at the start of the session. An hour later, with track temperatures increasing slightly, Montagny left the pits for his first serious run in the new car, although he returned to the garage soon after as a result of a minor mechanical issue. Trulli was able to run without trouble all morning and as the track dried out he switched from extreme wets to wet tyres before lunchtime, improving his lap times in the process. He upped the pace in the afternoon and consistently improved his lap times as the track dried out, although Montagny spun into the gravel midway through the afternoon. The car was not damaged but mechanics needed time to clean it in preparation for the Frenchman’s last stint of the afternoon, which saw him take third fastest with Trulli sixth.

Panasonic Toyota Racing continued its positive start to pre-season testing with another productive day at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia. After his strong showing yesterday, Jarno Trulli was joined by Ralf Schumacher, who returned to the wheel of the TF107 for the first time since the car’s initial shakedown runs. As with yesterday, the session started quietly as the team bided their time before setting any serious laps due to a damp track and cold temperatures. When track conditions improved and grooved tyres could be used, both Jarno and Ralf began their work on perfecting the set-up of the new car, trying different combinations as they look to get the best out of the TF107. A lot of useful information was recorded and the drivers once again gave positive feedback on the performance of their new car before more wet weather brought a premature end to the day.

Panasonic Toyota Racing concluded its three-day test at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia today with only Ralf Schumacher at the wheel on a sunny, clear day in Spain. High temperatures were recorded around the rear crash structure last night, leaving the team no option but to run only Schumacher today and give Jarno Trulli an unscheduled day off. Despite that, the team made the best of the situation and Schumacher was able to run system checks and gain set-up data. A fuel pump issue interrupted his work soon after lunch, as well as a series of red flags, but he was back on track later in the afternoon and set a string of competitive lap times to finish the day fastest overall. The team resumes its pre-season testing programme at the Circuito Permanente de Jerez on Tuesday.

Panasonic Toyota Racing returned to testing duties today after a weekend break and the team continued to put the new TF107 through its paces. Ralf Schumacher and Franck Montagny took charge of the driving on a sunny, clear day in Spain and they were kept busy helping the team learn more about the new car. The team tried out several set-up options and gained valuable data. However, progress was checked in the afternoon as Montagny’s day ended an hour early when his car stopped at turn six while Schumacher’s afternoon was disrupted by suspension changes which took time.

Panasonic Toyota Racing took to the track for day two of its three-day test at the Circuito Permanente de Jerez in Spain today looking to make more progress on the set-up options on the TF107, as well as continuing with systems checks and practicing launches. Ralf Schumacher was back behind the wheel, joined by Jarno Trulli who got his first taste of the TF107 around Jerez on a sunny, mainly dry day. Both drivers tried out different set-ups and suspension options during a busy morning which saw the pair clock up plenty of laps. The afternoon started differently though when Schumacher’s car stopped on track, causing a red flag while Trulli’s needed a small repair which gave him an extended lunch break. Both TF107s were back on track late in the afternoon after a rain shower, gathering yet more information for the team to work on before the final day of the test tomorrow.

Panasonic Toyota Racing concluded its three-day test at the Circuito Permanente de Jerez today under a cloudy sky on a damp day in Spain. Overnight rain left the track wet this morning and showers throughout the day meant wet or extreme wet Bridgestone tyres were the only option for Jarno Trulli and Franck Montagny. Track conditions changed regularly but the team pressed ahead with work on wet set-ups, as well as systems checks on the TF107, in particular an updated transmission, which Trulli put through its paces. He completed almost 400kms and gained plenty of data which the team will now use to take advantage of the upgrade’s full potential. After a short weekend, the test team is back in action on Monday in Barcelona where work will continue on the updated transmission.

Panasonic Toyota Racing enjoyed a solid day’s work at the Circuit de Catalunya as it continued its preparations for the 2007 season. Jarno Trulli and Franck Montagny were at the wheel of the TF107, looking to make the most of the track time available. The morning was cloudy and a rain shower after lunch ensured that much of the second half of the day took place on a damp track. This was the first time that Toyota has run at Barcelona since the circuit layout was changed over the winter. A new chicane has been added just before the final corner, extending the length of the track and adding several seconds to the lap time. The change has been made with safety in mind and the new section features improved run-off areas and barriers. The Toyota team will continue testing at the modified Barcelona circuit tomorrow.

Panasonic Toyota Racing continued its winter test programme at Barcelona today with Jarno Trulli and Franck Montagny at the wheel. Under clear skies at the Circuit de Catalunya the team had a fruitful day of running and the two drivers were able to put in nearly 100 laps each. Jarno missed out on some of the morning session due to an electronics problem but otherwise both drivers were able to carry out a lot of work on systems and set-up. Franck completed a good analysis of the Bridgestone tyres and he will stay at the wheel for tomorrow’s final day alongside Ralf Schumacher.

Panasonic Toyota Racing completed its test at Barcelona today with Ralf Schumacher and Franck Montagny at the wheel. On Ralf’s first visit to the modified version of the Circuit de Catalunya, he tried out the new seamless shift gearbox for the first time and worked on set up for most of his day. Franck spent the morning doing long runs to check the car’s behaviour with different solutions. Late in the morning he stopped out on the track due to a gearbox control problem. The team took the chance to carry out a routine engine change and he returned to the track shortly after lunch. The Toyota team is next scheduled to have two weeks of testing at Bahrain beginning on February 22. This will be the first time that Toyota has tested at the circuit in the Middle East and it should give the team valuable warm weather data as it continues its preparations for the 2007 season.

Panasonic Toyota Racing escaped the European winter for its double-header test at the Bahrain International Circuit, which began in the Gulf state today. The final multi-team test before the start of the season kicked off under clear skies and in warm sunshine with race drivers Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli behind the wheel. The hot weather gave the team a chance to try out the new Bridgestone tyres for the first time in the kind of conditions expected at many races this year. The team also had new aerodynamic parts on the car for evaluation. Trulli’s day barely started before a gearbox control issue forced him back into the garage for lengthy repairs while Schumacher took advantage of the near-perfect conditions to register some early laps. Unfortunately Schumacher was also halted as lunchtime approached when a clutch needed repairing, but when the green flags waved to start the afternoon session, both drivers were back on track. Minor repairs caused further delays and the team is now looking forward to a more positive second day.

Panasonic Toyota Racing was back in action at the Bahrain International Circuit today for the second day of pre-season testing in the Middle East. With predictably good weather again greeting the team this morning, Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli set out to work on long runs to cover more than a race distance, as well as tyre evaluations. Jarno again tried out the new aerodynamic package on the TF107 and in the morning he was able to collect plenty of useful data. Ralf had to wait before he could begin the session in earnest after a clutch issue early in the morning but he was soon back in action while Jarno was performing a series of long stints. Both drivers resumed the programme after lunch and put more miles on the new TF107, although minor repairs halted Ralf an hour before the session was due to end. Franck Montagny replaces Ralf tomorrow for the final day before a short weekend break and then the second three-day test in Bahrain.

Panasonic Toyota Racing completed the first part of its double-header test at the Bahrain International Circuit today. Franck Montagny replaced Ralf Schumacher in the cockpit and joined Jarno Trulli on track today as the team made more progress on fine-tuning the TF107. Franck’s programme required several long runs as he looked to complete at least a race distance while Jarno focused on set-up options with the new aerodynamic package. Jarno’s progress was interrupted by gearbox control issues during the morning and he caused a red flag at midday when he stopped on the circuit, but Franck racked up the laps before lunch thanks to some trouble-free running. He managed more than a race distance in the morning alone and both drivers were busy in the afternoon gathering data which the team will now study before testing resumes in Bahrain on Tuesday, with Jarno and Franck again doing the driving.

Panasonic Toyota Racing returned to action at the Bahrain International Circuit today for the first day of the final multi-team test before the 2007 season starts in Australia. Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli were at the wheel as the team tried out aerodynamic updates and worked on set-up after the endurance runs of last week. Both drivers had a mixed morning, with Jarno’s car needing repairs for a minor clutch issue while Ralf spun. Unfortunately, Ralf slightly hurt his back when his car bounced over the kerb and, after a massage, the decision was taken to allow him to rest in order to ensure he is fully fit for tomorrow. Franck Montagny stepped in at short notice and he took over Ralf’s car for the afternoon session. Both Jarno and Franck worked on set-up in the afternoon and brought back useful information which will help the team get the best out of the TF107. Ralf is expected to return alongside Jarno tomorrow for day two.

Panasonic Toyota Racing completed its penultimate day of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit today with Ralf Schumacher back in action alongside Jarno Trulli. Ralf recovered from his sore back following a rest yesterday afternoon and he returned to join Jarno in trying out different set-ups and gathering information from the new aerodynamic package. Several red flags early in the morning limited running and Jarno’s progress was disrupted further when a gearbox issue caused him to spin, bringing out the red flags. Throttle control and gearbox trouble cost Jarno further time in the afternoon but Ralf was able to make good progress and completed well over a race distance before clutch repairs ended his session an hour early. Ralf will resume his programme tomorrow for the final day of the test, with Franck Montagny replacing Jarno.

Panasonic Toyota Racing brought its long test at the Bahrain International Circuit to a close today on a positive note. Ralf Schumacher was in the driving seat again with Franck Montagny replacing Jarno Trulli for the final day of the last multi-team test before the season starts in Melbourne on March 18. Ralf managed to fit in a dinner with Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa, the Bahraini Sports Minister, last night where he met several other important local dignitaries but he was back at work early this morning. Both drivers concentrated on different set-ups as preparations for the first race of the season in Australia reach a climax. Ralf spun harmlessly in the morning and lost a little time in the afternoon with a gearbox control issue while Franck’s trouble-free day meant he brought in useful information after completing more than two Grand Prix distances while trying various set-up and differential options. Panasonic Toyota Racing now moves to Jerez next week for its final test before the start of the season.

Panasonic Toyota Racing completed its penultimate day of testing before the start of the 2007 season at the Circuito Permanente de Jerez today. Race drivers Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli took the wheel for the private test in Spain and both drivers helped the team put the finishing touches to the TF107 prior to the Australian Grand Prix. Today’s programme focused on finalising the team’s package for the opening race of the season, with a Melbourne-specification aerodynamic update on the car for the first time. Some rain in the morning meant track temperatures were quite low to start the day, around 18°C, but the track dried during the morning and in the afternoon conditions improved with track temperatures hitting 22°C. Ralf and Jarno were able to put plenty of laps on the car, gathering important information which will help the team prepare for the Melbourne race, as well as practicing launches. The driving line-up will remain the same tomorrow, for the final day of pre-season testing.

Panasonic Toyota Racing today brought down the curtain on its pre-season testing programme with a fruitful private session at the Circuito Permanente de Jerez in Spain. With just eight days to go before the first practice sessions at Albert Park in Melbourne, Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli finalised preparations for the Australian Grand Prix today. On a dry day with air temperatures reaching a high of 20°C, the team again tried out its race-one aerodynamic package and worked on optimising set-ups before the long trip Down Under. Ralf’s day was interrupted when he struck a bird but he was able to drive back to the pits where repairs were made. Neither driver suffered any technical problems as the team finished a long pre-season of testing on a very positive note.