11/04/2002

Motorhomes make their mark in Imola

The San Marino Grand Prix sees yet another debut for Panasonic Toyota Racing as it makes use of its own motorhomes and technical units for the first time. The team will bring a total of two motorhomes three technical units and two support vehicles to all European rounds of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
The stylish yet functional and professional motorhomes have been supplied to the Toyota F1 team by UK company Pocklington Coachworks known for their expertise in motorsport and corporate hospitality units.

Each air-conditioned motorhome is 14 metres long and 2.5 metres wide with raised roof allowing a second level. Both are built in such a way that they can operate completely independently from each other and are equipped with telephone fax and email facilities a kitchen and a Panasonic audio-video system with circuit and multi-channel television DVD and CD possibilities.

One unit is specifically used for the media and hospitality guests and contains internal offices and a meeting room. The second will be home to the team's personnel with private offices for Chairman Tsutomu Tomita and President Ove Andersson and two separate rooms for drivers Mika Salo and Allan McNish. A large meeting room can also double up as a dining room if necessary.

MAN technical partner to the Toyota F1 team and one of the leaders in the field of commercial vehicle construction in Europe has supplied a total of five trucks for races three of which operate as technical units situated in the paddock area.

The technical units form an integral part of the team's on-track facilities not only hosting antennae for radio and telemetry transmission but also housing workshop facilities and containing technical offices with built-in video conference system.

One of these units is designated solely for the transportation of the TF102 cars to races and test sessions and for storage of essential spare parts. Two separate trucks are located outside of the immediate paddock area and will store pit garage and motorhome equipment.

All seven vehicles have been carefully designed to reflect Toyota's corporate style and image and carry a livery mirroring the TF102's red and white brushstroke artwork and the logos of the team’s partners.

Motorhomes trucks and technical units are a standard feature for Formula 1 teams at European events. The number of vehicles that Panasonic Toyota Racing is bringing to each event is the normal number for an F1 team and abides by Formula One Management regulations. With an extremely hectic schedule during Grand Prix events Panasonic Toyota Racing will no doubt benefit from being able to work in a functional surrounding adopted to the team's needs.