Toyota Monza test notes 2008-08-29

EARLY FINISH

Timo Glock joined day three of Panasonic Toyota Racing's Monza test for his first experience of the TF108 around the legendary Italian circuit. Timo spent his day adapting to the Monza--specification aerodynamic package, which is geared for high speed and low downforce. He concentrated on finding better turn--in capability and a brake balance he was comfortable with while also adjusting the car to cope with Monza's notoriously high kerbs. He tried a number of different set--ups before, half an hour from the end of the test, the car got away from him and he clipped a tyre barrier at the second Lesmo. Panasonic Toyota Racing will be in action again next Friday when practice begins for the Belgian Grand Prix.

Timo Glock -- Chassis TF108--04
Best Lap Time: 1min 23.897s
Position: 7th
Total laps: 79
Total distance: 457.647km

"We will have to analyse in detail what the problem was. Until the accident the test was going okay but we had a few problems around midday. Then in the afternoon I think track conditions were a bit slower and we couldn't really make strong progress. The crash was not nice and I'm not sure what happened. We'd had a bit of understeer and the kerb--riding was not too comfortable but I wasn't aware of making a mistake. We will have to have a close look at the data."

Gerd Pfeiffer -- Test Team Manager

"It was unfortunate that Timo went off just before the end but if it has to happen at all, better then than at the beginning of the day. We had already worked through the majority of the schedule, which was aimed at familiarising Timo with the specific demands of Monza, which are quite different to other circuits. We did a lot of experimentation with brake feel, ride heights and general aerodynamic set--up. It has been a productive three days with consistent conditions and no weather interruptions. I want to thank everyone for their efforts, we have collected a lot of data and will take it all into account before the Italian Grand Prix here next month."

-credit: toyota