180° Turn for Toyota and its TF108
The Chief Technical Director of Toyota, Pascal Vasselon, claims that the new TF108 will be one of the most competitive cars in 2008. It certainly has unanimous support within the team. The Japanese team is struggling to recover from a disappointing 2007 season, where only 13 points were scored to finish sixth in the constructors’ […]
The Chief Technical Director of Toyota, Pascal Vasselon, claims that the new TF108 will be one of the most competitive cars in 2008. It certainly has unanimous support within the team.
The Japanese team is struggling to recover from a disappointing 2007 season, where only 13 points were scored to finish sixth in the constructors’ standings.
Last year, the TF107 was not competitive enough throughout the season. Toyota had to change its philosophy for the design of the new TF108.
« The aerodynamic concept of this car has changed. The TF107 is an evolution of the TF106, but this time, the new single-seater is the result of a new package that symbolizes Toyota’s new beginning, » declared Vasselon.
« The new aerodynamic design philosophy of the TF108 is aimed at a greater optimization of the car as a whole to minimize balance changes throughout a lap. This makes the single-seater more robust with better aerodynamics. »
« In addition to the aerodynamic philosophy, another fundamental change was the wheelbase, which is longer. »
« In terms of mechanics, we estimated that we had a solid base with the TF107 and so we made some improvements. We made adjustments to improve the weight/efficiency ratio. Maintaining this efficiency with less structural rigidity, » he added.
Vasselon asserts that the aerodynamic tests have shown that the car is on the right track. The Frenchman admits he is very optimistic about the new car.
« I am happy to say that the TF108 is a success, aerodynamic efficiency and performance continue to improve. Of course, the real test will come with the first laps on the track. »
« The TF108 is perfect, and we are very happy to see it in action to know if it will meet our expectations. »
He also said that it would be unrealistic this year to see Toyota fighting for the title, however, he aims for podiums as often as possible.
Personally, I think the goal will be to systematically fight for the podium in 2008. Next year, in 2009, we should aim for what BMW-Sauber achieved in 2007, concluded Vasselon.
