The Winners & the Heroes

 But if someone told me after the 2004 Brazilian GP  that in Sepang already Jarno Trulli would bring Panasonic Toyota Racing their first podium in the (rather short) history of the team, I would not believe that! Nevertheless they cherished their hopes (as we did). Who could think that the Scuderia the invincible would prove to be behind Toyota in the WCC, though the advantage is only two points?! Who could know that Trulli would start second for the second time in a row?! Somehow the guys from the Japanese team seemed to be slightly disappointed when Alonso clocked up a pole. Have they already got used to it? But our hero did it! Because he had to do it. Once again Jarno showed not only his brilliant racing skills but he revealed his human nature. The human nature for which most of us value him.

Last time I told that Toyota’s strategists just lost their heads. The Italian complained about…..the rear right tyre though, only one. But I still suppose, the Australian failure was caused by the error in the calculating of the fuel for the first stint also. And Mike Gascoyne confirmed my theory partly. Ralf’s race on this Sunday can serve as proof. After the start he was following Webber, Montoya went behind. RS was one of the drivers who started the pit stops.  As a result, Montoya (who waited a bit longer) got out ahead of him. Everything is simple. They don’t change tyres anymore, which is why extra fuel weight is not compensated for by fresh rubber. And if a racer gets into traffic…

By the way, I do not quite understand why we still see all this crowd of mechanics next to the car at refuels. Changing of the wheels is forbidden, if only to smell them…

Well, back to the race. At Sepang 2005 Toyota carried off everything without a hitch. The thought out tactics, excellent driving by Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher and a little bit of luck. I mean McLaren’s and Ferrari’s astonishing performance. Just try to realize the situation: our favourite Italian scored four times as many points as the seven times world champion! Last year we could barely dream of it. No, I am not saying that this can carry on further… But JT shows very high results in qualifying: 2^nd on Saturday, 2^nd on Sunday. And without the help of rain. RS is also rather good: 5^th and 7^th accordingly. I suppose Williams appreciated Schumacher Junior’s manoueuvres when he was trying to overtake Webber….

However the race was of a tragic character for Jarno Trulli. Shortly before the Malaysian GP a friend of his died in an accident…

In both qualifying sessions Trulli was driving on the edge. It seemed nothing could stop him in the pursuit of the first row on the starting grid. During the race he concentrated all his attention on driving. At the end of the first stint Alonso set fastest lap after the fastest lap. And Jarno did not give in – he answered with even higher pace. Months ago did I see him so stubborn, so furious, so fast. He made the most of his car, most of the strategy, most of the circumstances. Everything went together. Thanks to everybody.

Trulli gained this podium because he ought to have done it. Because it was meant to be Jarno’s tribute to his friend who unfortunately passed away …

Having finished, JT crossed himself, raised his hands up to heaven….and went to the award ceremony, feeling frustrated and depressed inside. At that very moment while receiving his prize (more than deserved), you could see all the great pain… You could read it in his eyes… One cannot help feeling it… Another podium, another dedication. This was not just Jarno’s and Toyota’s success, it was his win… Jarno, you are the hero of hearts indeed.

Little Queenie

My heartfelt thanks to Linda Camper

for her concern and support

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