By Toyota Media
March 10 2006

Bahrain hosts the opening round to this years Formula One World Championship. Last year Toyota's Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher gave their fans something to celebrate, as Jarno Trulli stepped onto the podium in second whilst Ralf Schumacher finished a creditable fourth. The 2006 F1 Grand Prix Championship Series kicks off with the first race to be held at the Bahrain International Circuit located in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Bahrain has played host to F1 Grand Prix since 2004, and the Bahrain GP is the only F1 race held in the Middle East. Situated among the desert sands, the Bahrain International Circuit is particularly demanding on F1 teams, who have to keep their cars in top shape amid blistering heat and swirling dust.

2005 Bahrain GP
Last year the Bahrain GP was held on April 3. It was a rigorous 57-lap affair, conducted in oppressive heat, with 55oC track temperatures and 12% humidity. Jarno Trulli, starting P3 after qualifying, got off to a strong start, closely pursing Alonso (Renault) in first, and Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) in second. After M. Schumacher bowed out with car trouble, Trulli took over second, and tenaciously defended his position all the way to the checkered flag. Trulli captured the second spot on the podium for the second race in a row. Ralf Schumacher, who qualified P6, went on to finish fourth, narrowly missing the podium, but ensuring that both Panasonic Toyota Racing cars finished well in the points, and helping the team maintain its position at second in the Constructors' Championship race.