Features > 2005 Features > Higashi Fuji Technical Center at the forefront of R&D in Japan > Mike Gascoyne Talks about Higashifuji Technical Centre
Features
Higashi Fuji Technical Center at the forefront of R&D in Japan
Features

Mike Gascoyne Talks about Higashifuji Technical Centre

While TMG in Germany and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan are in frequent contact, sharing volumes of data, the travels of Mike Gascoyne and Yoshiaki Kinoshita between the bases in Japan and Germany are what drive the smooth and steady progress of efficient research and development. Here, Mike Gascoyne, Technical Director, Chassis Division, talks about the important role of the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center:
~TMG public relations staff
 
 
How frequently do TMG and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center exchange information? How is information communicated back and forth?
"We have frequent contact with our colleagues at the Higashifuji Technical Centre, particularly within the Motorsport Division."

"I usually visit the facility several times during the year for technical meetings with the MSD staff and I always use the opportunity to visit the facilities and staff there. We can anyway rely on the support of Mr. Kinoshita, who has a dual role at Toyota as General Manager of MSD and as Executive Vice President of Toyota Motorsport. He always keeps us
informed of developments at MSD."

Looking back on this past season, can you think of any situation(s) in which information from the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center helped during a race, leading to a favorable finish?
"I cannot think of one specific example of the work of MSD having a direct impact on a race result because everything that they do is a big help to the team. During the race weekends, MSD staff visit us to have technical meetings and to offer their valuable input into the grand prix."

"Higashifuji also carries out a detailed and significant analysis of the race weekend data which works well as a kaizen tool so we can draw from its experience and benefit at future race weekends."

It is correct to consider the activities of the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center as one extremely important factor in Panasonic Toyota Racing Team’s quest for the Drivers’ and Constructors’ crowns?
"The support we get in all technical areas, especially CFD work with aerodynamics and chassis simulation contributes greatly to our results and our success. It is very much a One Team, One Aim approach with shared success."

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CONTENTS

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A Glimpse inside the Toyota Higashi-Fuji Technical Center Facilities more..