By Toyota Media
March 16 2006

Malaysia is one of the hottest races on the 2006 calender, and with the engines going into their second weekend, surely not all 22 cars will make it to the end come Sunday afternoon? Last year Toyota's Jarno Trulli scored the teams first ever podium, with Ralf Schumacher finishing fourth.

The Sepang International Circuit is the stage for the Grand Prix of Malaysia, the second F1 grand prix race of the year. Having first hosted an F1 race in 1999, this circuit is known for its ultra-modern facilities and two long straight-aways. The track is wide, providing many dramatic overtaking scenes every year. The Sepang International Circuit is located a convenient 3.5km from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The impressive building you can see near the final corner was designed using a hibiscus motif.

2005 Malaysian GP

At the end of a grueling 56-lap race on March 20, 2005, Panasonic Toyota Racing driver Jarno Trulli (P2 in qualifying) captured second place—and the first podium ever—for the team. Jarno had just lost a close friend to terminal illness, but he fought through his grief to drive a spectacular race. Starting P5 from the grid, Ralf fought off Mark Webber (Williams) to finish the race in fifth position. With these fantastic results, Panasonic Toyota Racing shot up to second position in the Constructors’ Championship.