January 17, 2004: Introducing the TF–104, Toyota’s F1 Car for the 2004 Season

The Gustav Brunner design group worked around the clock for nearly 10 months developing the new TF104, an evolved chassis design based on the TF103.

Gustav Brunner said, “The TF103 was a highly competitive package. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get all of the performance out of it. Theoretically, the TF104 is an evolutionary step up from the TF103, but in fact, the TF104 shares not a single part that we used with the TF103. We improved every single inch of the chassis, and redesigned every important internal component. We achieved a great leap ahead aerodynamically, made the car lighter overall, and increased the rigidity of the chassis.”

Toyota also beefed up the team technical staff. First, TMG hired Mike Gascoyne, an F1 engineering specialist, as technical director of the chassis department to coordinate and organize the department. Meanwhile, Luca Marmorini was promoted to technical director of the engine department.

TMG chairman Tsutomu Tomita took over as the representative of Panasonic Toyota Racing, and the Ove Andersson, who turned 66 years of age, was reassigned as a TMG consultant.

Both of the 2003 drivers, Olivier Panis and Cristiano da Matta, were held over to represent the team in the cockpit for the 2004 season, while Ricardo Zonta played the role of the third driver, driving the third car during Friday practice sessions.

Panasonic Toyota Racing won nine points for the season, finishing in eighth place in the constructor’s championship.