NEWS
Q+A with Tadashi Yamashina, Chairman and Team Principal10.01.2008
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Pascal Vasselon Q+A more.. |
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Luca Marmorini Q+A more.. |
What are your targets for 2008 and beyond?
Of course, our ultimate target is the middle step of the podium - we are in Formula 1 to win and we want to do that soon. Our clear target in 2008 is to make a big improvement in our results because we were not satisfied with our performance last year. Our drivers should be aiming to finish in the points regularly and challenging for the podium. As a team we must do our bit to give the drivers a car which is capable of achieving our goals. The engineers and designers have pushed hard to develop the best possible car for the drivers and the work will not stop. Everyone in the team is focused on making a step forward and we will continue to put all our effort into improving the car throughout the year.
What is your view on the development of the TF108?
So far, the aerodynamic and chassis groups have done a good job on the TF108. We expect this car to be a big step forward compared to the TF107 and what we have seen in the wind tunnel and in our simulations is that the performance is getting better and better. This is very encouraging. It is clear from looking at the new car that quite a few changes have been made. The chassis is different and we have introduced some new aerodynamic concepts but so far everything is on schedule.
Which areas did the team focus on improving?
We studied our performances in 2007 and we believe we have found areas where we have to improve. We expect more from the aerodynamic side and also from an operational side but I am optimistic that the team knows what needs to be done to improve our performance.
How hard is the team working to improve?
The effort which everyone puts into this team is huge. You only had to look at the pit crew in Brazil last year. It was the last race of the year but on Saturday night and Sunday morning they were practicing pit stops and not every team was doing this. I am very, very proud of the hard work I see in this team. At the factory everyone is motivated and pushing as hard as possible, always aiming for kaizen, continuous improvement. The team work is very impressive and also the sharing of information in our daily work has got better and better. Communication is very good between all departments and this has definitely helped in the development of the TF108. We have a very good technical team in charge of developing this car, led by Yoshiaki Kinoshita, Pascal Vasselon and Luca Marmorini. I believe we have a good blend of experience and fresh ideas. Everybody is working together as one unit so I am very happy with that. We have real team spirit.
Are you optimistic for 2008?
Yes because there are several reasons to be optimistic for 2008. To start with, we are hungry to succeed and I believe you will see this more than ever this season. Also, we have consistency and continuity within our engineering and management team and this gives us a solid base, allowing us to work on innovative conc epts which can improve the car's performance.
What are your thoughts on the 2008 driver line-up?
I am excited by our 2008 driver line-up. Jarno has great experience and we know already that he has the speed to be successful. Timo has demonstrated a fighting spirit and good race craft in GP2 so we believe he is the right man for the job. Kamui has shown he has the potential to drive in Formula 1 and we believe he is ready for the challenge.
How do you assess the team's prospects for the future?
We have great potential in this team. We have the right people in place and the right resources so we have every reason to be optimistic. Of course, we have been in Formula 1 for six seasons and everybody in the Toyota family, as well as our Toyota fans, has encouraged us in our challenge. There is a huge amount of expectation and last season we did not meet those expectations, which was disappointing for our supporters and for us. We set ourselves very high standards so this season we want to prove we can compete with the best in Formula 1. We want to meet the huge expectations - that is our desire. I am sure our team and our drivers will meet the challenge.
