Happy Trulli dedicates podium to Andersson

The Italian driver returned to the podium for the first time since the 2005 Spanish Grand Prix after finishing in third place in the Magny-Cours race.

The result was also the first podium for Toyota since the 2006 Australian Grand Prix.

"What a great result and a great weekend by the whole team," said Trulli. "We were pushing really hard because we wanted to dedicate this result to Ove Andersson, who has done so much for Toyota Motorsport."

Trulli had to fend off McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen during the final part of the race, the duo even making contact in the penultimate lap.

"Today was a great race, hard and tough. We had a good pace, even if we had to battle with some cars that were quicker than us," he added.

"I had to fight really hard but that is what people should expect both from myself and from Toyota. When the rain came at the end I had to take care because it's always difficult to judge how bad it is when you're in front.

"But I got back into a rhythm and had a wheel-to-wheel fight with Heikki, just like in go-karts.

"The team made no mistakes this weekend, from the people in the factory who made the new parts on the car to the mechanics who did perfect pit stops today.

"There's still more to do but today we can be very satisfied. The team is doing a great job, the car is much more competitive and everyone is motivated. Things are moving on."

Toyota team president John Howett added: "This is a fantastic day for everyone involved with Toyota Motorsport. It was our first podium for a long time so we dedicate it to Ove Andersson, who did so much for the team and will be greatly missed.

"Congratulations to everyone involved both at the factory and in the race and test teams who have worked hard to improve the car."