No number one at Toyota says Trulli
The front side of the new Toyota TF108, the car for the 2008 season
Jan.11 (GMM) Toyota will not have a number one driver in 2008, continuing team driver Jarno Trulli has said.
The Italian 33-year-old shared equal billing with his former teammate Ralf Schumacher, but in 2008 will be joined in the Cologne based squad's pits by formula one returnee Timo Glock.
But although former race winner Trulli has far more experience than 25-year-old Glock, not to mention enjoying a more lucrative retainer, he insists that the pair will have the same status in the eyes of Toyota officials.
"Toyota does not rely on one leader," he is quoted as telling Sky Sports at the launch of the new car in Cologne on Thursday.
"We have never had, and never will have a leader, because the Toyota concept means you are part of the team -- one team, one aim," he added.
Trulli also played down suggestions that the presence of a rising star, and the reigning GP2 champion, in Toyota's sister car this year is a significantly added pressure.
"In formula one there is always pressure. It doesn't matter who you have next to you or in front of you," he insisted.