Q & A with Jarno Trulli

Jarno Trulli: The car is quite consistent as well during a long run. We have done several long runs in general and we have always found to be competitive in every condition, so we should be fine.

Q. You've been waiting for a few years for the breakthrough for the team. Could this be the year of the breakthrough?

JT: We hope so. We are definitely optimistic, but nevertheless only the race results will tell us the truth. All in all, this is so far one of the best cars that Toyota have so far made, so I am confident we will be right at the top with the others.

Q. How difficult have you found it to manage the rear tyres?

JT: I think the tyres initially are something that you have to address with the conditions and the tracks. It changes quite a lot, depending on the general conditions. It is not something that you take out easily - because it depends on the track and temperatures. In general we are not having many problems with it, and we are managing it pretty well here. It was not the case in Jerez for most of the teams. I think it is going to be general trouble when we have troubles with tyres.

Q. Your car has tended to be over the years quick in some places and not at others. Is that a pattern that you would expect to be repeated this year, or is this year's car a mould breaker?

JT: If you are strong enough you can probably look pretty good in some places, and maybe a bit less in others. This is going to be more or less the same, even this year. It has been the case for every team. Everybody has got their favourite tracks and conditions; Toyota as well has got its favourite tracks and conditions. The main thing is that we need to be very competitive in general and then we can be more competitive or less competitive depending on the track.

Q. The car has been extremely reliable in pre-season testing as well at most of the tracks. Is that a big advantage for you at the start of the season?

JT: Well, I cross my fingers. We can say that reliability can always been an issue nowadays, because little things can make you stop. In general we never had a big issue on the car because we were able to run quite a lot from the beginning, and I am confident but nevertheless I cross my fingers. I don't want to have a stupid problem like happened in Australia last year that stopped my race.

Q. Was your last long run the best one you have had this year?

JT: No, we have had better long runs.

Q. So you are looking a bit better than that?

JT: Yes.

Q. Between KERS, slicks, front wing and downforce, which has caused you the most problems?

JT: We don't have KERS so we have eliminated one of the problems! In general I think we don't have problems on the car. It is just a matter of getting it right in terms of downforce. But when the car is quick, nothing is tricky.

So far this car has been quite competitive from the beginning. The aerodynamics, they got it right from the beginning, and with the front wing change this is a good change and it is very useful. With slick tyres, it is fine - obviously for Bridgestone it is a new experience and we have to find the right compound for every track. That is the main thing because in Jerez we were struggling a little bit with the tyres, but in Bahrain it is much better.

Q. Will the slick tyres suit your style even better?

JT: I don't know. I just drive them pretty well, and it probably can be a good point and an advantage for me because with grooved tyres I was having some troubles in the past - especially with the front graining that I have never liked.

Q. You've done a lot of testing running Ferrari and BMW-Sauber in testing. Do you believe you can live with them comfortably once you start racing?

JT: Certainly yes, we can be there with them. Our aim is to be in the top three or four at the beginning of the season and see what we can do there.

Q. All teams are testing here in Barcelona this week. What are your impressions?

JT: Well, it is difficult to get a clear idea. Ferrari are looking pretty competitive, BMW are looking competitive, and we are looking competitive. Renault are not bad as well. Today I was impressed by the Brawn, which was straight away looking well, which is positive for Formula One, everybody, and I am happy for the team and everyone there as they have had such a difficult time. The Red Bull is looking good, the car looks good, but only the race results will tell us the truth. This will happen in Australia.

Q. And McLaren?

JT: The McLaren doesn't look particularly quick at the moment, but we have to admit that they are a very experienced team who can bounce back at any time. So as soon as they understand what is wrong, what is right, and which direction they can take, I am sure they will be back.