Gascoyne predicts further success
Toyota will continue to be a podium challenger when Formula One returns to Europe next weekend, according to technical director Mike Gascoyne.
The big-budget team have turned around several seasons of strife to enjoy unexpected success so far this year, taking second place in Malaysia and Bahrain with Jarno Trulli.
Those races demonstrated Toyota’s abilities in high temperatures but Gascoyne believes a return to a cooler climate for the San Marino Grand Prix will not harm his team’s chances.
He said: “After the first three races of the season, it is always a time for reassessment of where we stand relative to our competitors.
“In three races, we have qualified in the top three at each event and picked up two podium positions.
“We struggled in the race in Melbourne for different reasons, but our true pace was demonstrated in Malaysia and Bahrain.
“I honestly do not see any reason why that level of competitiveness should not continue in Imola and beyond.
“We have understood how the car works with the Michelin tyres. We just have to ensure that our tyre choice for each race is correct, which was perhaps not the case in Melbourne, but if we can do that I do not see why we can’t perform at the same level throughout the season.
“Imola does not hold any particular fears or worries for me.”
