With major revisions in F1 Series regulations for the upcoming year, Panasonic Toyota Racing has made revolutionary changes to the Toyota TF105. We spoke with Mr. Keizo Takahashi, Director of Technical Co-ordination (DTC), in front of the Toyota TF105, which appears markedly different than previous models, given major improvements in aerodynamics and other changes made to conform to new regulations. Mr. Takahashi spoke with confidence and pride as we discussed the features of this new model.

“The changes in regulations for the upcoming year can be broken down into three major points. First, there are changes in aerodynamics. Restrictions have been placed on the position of the front and rear wings, as well as to the diffuser, to reduce downforce. Second, the rule last year allowing one engine for each race has been changed to requiring one engine for two races. The third change is related to tires. This year, one set of tires must be used for qualifying and for the final race.”

In other words, all changes in regulations have been designed to slow down the F1 cars. The aerodynamic restrictions will reduce downforce by approximately twenty-five percent. “These major revisions in regulations mean an equally major change in concept. Aerodynamically, raising the position of the front wing, moving the rear wing forward and lowering the diffuser makes for enormous changes in airflow. We developed the TF105 according to this new airflow pattern. The diffuser gave us the most concern. We had to make changes to the side pontoons, engine cowl and elsewhere to make up for the downforce losses caused by the new diffuser regulations.”

The changes in aerodynamics have created a different visual appearance in the cars. The large shift upward of the front wing makes the lower surface of the car resemble an open mouth, while the forward placement of the rear wing makes the rear of the car look as if only an end plate is attached. The side pontoons have been tapered heavily toward the rear of the car, creating a shape guiding air to the diffuser.

Mr. Takahashi indicated the development of the TF105 began in June last year. The team conducted development to comply with the new regulations, with engine development in particular proceeding smoothly. The engine was completed during the season last year, and was tested extensively during last year’s off-season tests with the Toyota TF104.

“We were able to run the engine quite a bit in last year’s off-season tests, and we gathered a lot of good data. The one-engine-two-race rule means that a single engine has to have a life of about 1,500 kilometers, but we have already been able to confirm the reliability of our engine. In terms of performance, this new engine compares favorably with last year’s in RPMs and horsepower.”

To ensure engine reliability, you must increase the durability of pistons and other moving parts. However, this means more weight, and more weight means slower revolutions. Lighter and more durable. Mr. Takahashi told us that the development to meet these two seemingly contrary requirements was extremely difficult, but that the team had already pushed their engine to a satisfactory balance. Coordinated research and development with Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan has ensured that Toyota’s peerless engine performance is once again in top form for the upcoming year.

Last, we spoke about tires, which have a critical effect on time. Mr. Takahashi told us that the Panasonic Toyota Racing team was able to gather a great volume of data about their tires during testing last year. “During last year’s off-season testing, we tried a lot of tires that we planned to use for this upcoming year. We found some good candidates, but we’re still not sure if we have the best. We have to find tires that can last an entire race, so we need to conduct tests over an actual race distance to do proper evaluation. In last year’s tests, we ran tires over quite a long distance. And of course, the way the tire is used is also extremely important. Downforce and other factors have a lot to do with tire wear. In this respect as well, the TF105 has been set up to make the most, best use of the new tires.”

Takahashi said that the two new drivers to the Panasonic Toyota Racing team also played an important role in the development of the new F1 car. Both drivers were central figures in other top teams last year, so they know what’s required for a winning machine. The information they brought with them was valuable to the development of the Toyota TF105.

“During tests last year, both Jarno and Ralf seemed to have a better impression of the TF104 than we thought they might. But there were still some outstanding weak points. The drivers and the development team weren’t too far apart as far as agreeing on what improvements were needed. Watching the two of them in tests, we saw that Jarno was a driver who used quick bursts of speed, and that Ralf, while also using quick bursts of speed, was a driver who raced at consistently high speed. At any rate, we were very fortunate that we were able to work with new drivers during the season last year. Now the team has already established good lines of communication.”

Takahashi said that in addition to good communication with the drivers, the team overall has begun to function smoothly as a unit. Panasonic Toyota Racing made major changes to the team makeup during the season last year, and now they are seeing the beneficial effects of the moves.

“The creation of the TF105 proceeded very smoothly. It was completed more quickly than we though it would, and we all were able to rest and enjoy the year-end holiday. We improved our precision in machining test parts, so we didn’t have to do the same thing over and over again, which also helped a lot.”

For Mike Gascoyne, the TF105 represented the first F1 car made from scratch since he joined Toyota. Both the Panasonic Toyota Racing team—now in its fourth year of the F1 series—and outside observers hold great expectations for the finished version of this F1 car.