Comments on: Glock & Piquet: A tale of two podiums

By: the limit

the limit — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 03:17:54 +0000

Good point GMAN.

How much of this success could be down also to the threats from Toyota headquarters at the beginning of the season, that Toyota F1 had better start delivering or else?
We all know that Toyota have spent $3 billion since 2002 on their F1 team with almost nothing to show for it. I suppose putting a charge up a few ***** wasn’t a bad idea after all.
Another great idea was off loading Ralf Schumacher last year, whose yearly salary was well over what he was actually worth.
Timo Glock would appear to be relishing his second chance at Formula One, following his stint back in 2004, and good luck to him.
I really hope that Toyota and Glock can progress further, and be a consistent force at the top of the championship.

By: Gman

Gman — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 03:04:08 +0000

I agree with Paige that Toyota are an up-and-coming team, with both drivers having put in some very good perofrmances this season. Indeed, they are emerging as the best of the rest, ahead of Renault, Red Bull, and Williams. For me, Glock’s result was particurally impressive coming in the first GP after his accident- clearly no after-effects for this guy.

This is perhaps a comment for another purpose-dedicated post, but my big question with Toyota is how will their unique, buracratically-heavy management style hold up when they get a taste of success and a chance to challenge the front-runners? But for now, some good results to build on for the Panasonic boys.

By: Paige

Paige — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:52:26 +0000

I’m a big Timo Glock fan. He is a very quick driver who has needed time to settle in and an improved race car. I was getting nervous that Toyota may drop him, but he really showed his potential this weekend and has had good pace all year. Maybe his goal of winning a world championship by 2010 isn’t so crazy, after all.

I think Toyota may finally be on the way to the top. Both drivers have had good pace, with Trulli having more consistency and Glock having what could be a springboard race. I think it’s pretty clear that they are #4 on the grid right now behind Ferrari, McLaren, and BMW.

By: Keith Collantine

Keith Collantine — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:37:02 +0000

With the number of Priuses they sell you’d expect them to have a handle on KERS as well…

By: Jack

Jack — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:18:56 +0000

The thing that amazed me was how he managed to qualify in 5th, on a fairly heavy fuel load in comparison to the front runners, and out-qualify Trulli, a qualifying expert, in the same car.
I’d keep an eye on Glock next year, as Toyota have made more progress this year than any other team, and more than they have ever made before. The new rules for 2009 could play into their hands considering their huge budget. While everyone is expecting BMW and Honda to do well in ’09, the biggest car manufacturer could spring a surprise.

By: michael counsell

michael counsell — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:58:00 +0000

Glock could have qualified 2nd or 3rd given his pace in practise and qualifying especially on his first Q3 run. Given his simililar pace to Kovalainen he could have even won.

By: Oliver

Oliver — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:50:29 +0000

Glock maintained his position all race, and was on the pace from the very beginning. Even taking a risky 3 stop strategy. He only got gifted 2 positions but he was a genuine contender for a podium position all race. Piquet on the other hand got gifted about 12 positions.

By: Keith Collantine

Keith Collantine — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:07:09 +0000

And Toyota are set to give him a contract extension: more here

By: Alianora La Canta

Alianora La Canta — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:34:50 +0000

Especially since one of them (Flavio Briatore) saw his other driver (Alonso) come 4th…

By: santori

santori — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 20:03:06 +0000

Pretty incredible. With another good race for Nelson and the first victory for Heikki the GP2 organisers should be feeling pretty pleased with themselves.