Slick tires are back in Formula 1 for the first time since 1997 and for Panasonic Toyota Racing this is a new experience. Ever since the team made its Formula 1 debut in 2002, it has used grooved tires so for this season it has needed to adjust to the greater grip and different handling characteristics of the slick Bridgestone Potenza rubber. Toyota has found the 2009-specification tires have around 8% more grip while the front tires now have proportionally more grip than the rears, making oversteer more common. The team's drivers are familiar with the different characteristics, with Jarno Trulli having made his Formula 1 debut on slick tires in 1997 and Timo Glock winning the GP2 Series title on slicks in 2007. See video on home page.
