Feature courtesy of the Panasonic Toyota Racing team
For a racing driver, life is geared towards race day, when all the hard work and dedication are distilled into the white heat of competition, but the job of being a Panasonic Toyota Racing Formula 1 driver does not stop with developing and driving the most sophisticated racing machines on the planet.
F1 is more than 'just' a racing series; the world's biggest corporations invest millions of dollars in participation in, and sponsorship of, the elite class of motorsport while the international media hang on every twist and turn of the world's most popular annual sporting soap opera.
The popularity of F1 means there is an insatiable appetite among sponsors and the media, so drivers are made to work almost as hard out of the car as in it. Whether it is activities such as giving interviews, posing for photographs or appearing as guest of honour at sponsor functions,
Jarno Trulli and
Timo Glock are kept busy all year round.
At every race Jarno and Timo do their bit to support the Panasonic Toyota Racing marketing and communications department, giving dozens of interviews and appearing at various events.
Jarno knows firsthand how
Formula 1's reach has spread in recent years and, after 11 years in the sport, he believes interest is higher than ever in motorsport's elite category.
He explains: "In general the media interest has increased. Formula 1 more and more has become an important worldwide event so the media are always very interested in the drivers and in the teams. This is nice because it is increasing our profile so people more and more know about Formula 1 and our work. Driving is the main focus for me but dealing with the media takes a lot of time. They are doing their job and this is part of my job so I do my best."
