How frequently do TMG and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center exchange information?
How is information communicated back and forth?
"The Higashifuji Technical Centre has provided invaluable support to Toyota Motorsport in Formula 1 engine development and we are in close and frequent contact. We have several opportunities during the working week to discuss ongoing matters with our Higashifuji colleagues."
"Typically we have bi-weekly meetings during which time we exchange data and ideas. There are then a series of meetings with the sub-groups, for example research, design, production, which take place independently of this main meeting. So we are frequently in touch to discuss the ongoing development of the F1 engine."
Can you think of any situations in which specific information brought by
the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center led to favorable race results?
"In addition to the important long-term planning and research, there are several activities that have been developed in Japan at Higashifuji that have had a positive effect on our project. For example, in the past, they conducted some projects done on the injection which were carried first into the test engine and then into the race engine. We are sharing activities all the time in different areas of engine development, so it is difficult to pinpoint one specific example."
What do you feel are particularly important factors with respect to working
cooperatively with the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center?
"The entire process is all about teamwork. Every department or group is vital, so we must operate as a complete unit, both at Toyota Motorsport in Cologne and with Higashifuji in Japan. Such a joint project is only possible through the benefits of modern communication. The concept of distance no longer exists. Videoconference is a quick and efficient way of communicating. If you work in a planned way as one team, as we do, then it becomes easier to overcome the difficulties of distance."
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