Trulli scales the heights but fails to reach summit

Suzuka: Jarno Trulli scaled the heights with Toyota at the team’s home Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday but the longed-for summit remained tantalisingly out of reach.

The veteran Italian ran across the Suzuka track and climbed the catchment fence to throw his cap to cheering fans after securing Toyota’s second runner-up position in the space of a week. His achievement matched Toyota’s best run of success in Formula One, equalling his two successive second places of 2005, but the victory the team have been chasing since their debut in 2002 eluded him. “My aim, when it comes to the season, was to win a race and so far I didn’t manage it,” he said.“I’m obviously happy to be on the podium but I’ve had many podiums and what I’m really missing at the moment is a win. A win for my team and for Toyota. “I fixed my target and I’m extremely determined to get my target and obviously I’m a little bit -- I wouldn’t say disappointed -- but I wish I could fight for a win.” Heavy Spending Toyota have spent billions on their Formula One quest and, despite repeated reassurances, have failed to kill off persistent speculation about their future in the sport. Chief executive Akio Toyoda was on hand to greet Trulli in the Suzuka paddock and said he was very happy with the team result. But he would not comment on the plans of the world’s biggest carmaker. Team president John Howett said the results spoke more loudly than any words, but he used them anyway to repeat his position. “It’s fundamentally about results...and the value that F1 offers to corporations,” Howett told Reuters. “I’m a bit confused why people are so tense.” Trulli’s result matched the second place of German Timo Glock in Singapore last Sunday and Trulli spared a thought for his absent team mate, ruled out of the race after crashing heavily in qualifying. “It is a double result as we are coming from a fantastic podium for Timo with a fantastic drive in Singapore...I think the team has just showed that it is in Formula One and is proving to everyone that they can do the job.” Bureau Report