“I did have a small issue with graining during my first stint; however, I was able to stay out until lap 20, which helped me to overtake
Jarno Trulli during my first pit-stop. After my second stop I was able to play it safe and secure my third place, as it was not possible at this stage to go one better.”
Jarno Trulli:
“It’s nice to be back in the points after such a strong race. I’m especially happy for the team both here and in Cologne – this result is mainly down to their work over the winter, and I dedicate it to them.
“I had a difficult first corner when I lost grip, ran wide and touched
Nick Heidfeld, losing a bit of ground, but after that I was able to keep up with the McLarens. Then we made it past
Mark Webber as the team did a good job in the pit-stops.
“At the end it was a great fight with
Lewis Hamilton and we were pushing each other hard. He was obviously slightly quicker than me, but I gave 100 per cent and thanks to the team’s good job and the trouble-free weekend we took fourth.
“I just hope we can carry on improving the performance of the car, because as I mentioned at the end of winter testing we are looking strong. With Toyota’s potential we can bounce back to the 2005 level already this year.”
Lewis Hamilton:
“I got a really good start and was pretty happy as we jumped four positions from ninth to fifth. I was pushing Mark for a very long time, but being behind someone – no matter how quick you are – it is really difficult to get past. We were in a good position for a shot at third place at least, but then I had the problem in my first pit-stop which lost me a lot of time.
“I did the best job I could. However, we take away the fact that the car ran very reliably in these extreme conditions, and I was able to push Jarno right until the last second. I have to say that both Mark and Jarno drove really well today, and it was great to fight them out on-track.”
Nick Heidfeld:
“I have mixed emotions about today’s race. Of course I’m happy to have clocked up my first fastest race lap in
F1, and eleven points are also the best-ever result for our team. The pace of the car was really, really good – about the same level as the
McLaren. That’s all very positive, but it makes it even more disappointing that I only finished sixth.
