Formula One news

Howett: "We could smell the victory"

Toyota's John Howett was both happy and disappointed after the Bahrain Grand Prix, a race in which Jarno Trulli finished third to claim a podium spot for the Japanese team. The team president believes a more aggressive strategy could have netted the team victory, however, after starting with both cars on the front row of the grid.

"We should have gone with the soft tyre for the longer stint," said Howett, whose team currently lies third and just a single point behind Red Bull in the championship. "We had the option to go three stop or two stop; on three we would have been stuck in traffic, so we decided to go for two," he explained to Autosport.

Glock with Howett after the race

"We were worried that the soft tyre would probably not hold out with the heavier fuel load and the conditions, which I think strategically was wrong; we were slower on the harder tyre, and I think that is where we lost most of the advantage." Despite this annoyance, the team has improved leaps and bounds over the winter break and, like all, will be appearing with upgrades in Barcelona. "I think it is positive that we are disappointed," Howett continued. "If you look at three years ago, we would have been ecstatic about finishing third, whereas now we are disappointed because we could smell the victory - that is a positive sign."

Timo Glock eventually struggled for pace in the race and dropped to seventh after leading in the early stages, as Trulli hassled Vettel for second place over the line. "Jarno was really hounding Sebastian at the end of the race, so we are there with the pace of the Red Bull," reported Howett. "Honestly I think, in race trim, the Brawn is fractionally quicker but definitely within striking distance. It's a solid start to the season, but we are hungry to win; we can smell it, so I think that is an incentive. The motivation is there to keep pushing."

more news

• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas
  • Clock ticking for Silverstone
  • Williams sells first shares
  • Official: Bianchi handed Ferrari test
  • My door is open, says Trulli
  • Button: I needed a new challenge
• 19 Nov.
  • Brawn 'very disappointed' with Button outcome
  • Sons release birthday song for Jackie Stewart
  • Räikkönen: No talks with Brawn

Homepage