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NAOMI on the TF105
By Naomi Willemsen January 9 2005
As we bring you our first edition of F1 through the eyes of a female - Naomi Willemsen from Holland has written about yesterdays launch, and her view of the TF105...

Just like last year, Toyota decided to develop and launch the new car, the TF105, as quick and soon as possible. OK not exactly just like last year: this year it is going to be nine days earlier namely on the 8th of January at Barcelona. We thought at ‘Cirquito de Catalunya’ but unfortunately there won’t be a driving TF105 to be seen because of the activities on the circuit, which will be over about the 15th of January. So they came with something better: Estació de França, the historical train station in the centre of Barcelona.

The TF105 is the very first Toyota that completely is designed by Mike Gascoyne, which I think it’s already an improvement! With Gascoyne as the new responsible one for the chassis, a much better engine by Luca Marmorini, that now has to last two Grand Prix weekends, and the two new drivers, Toyota hopes to make a complete new start. After a very disappointing season the Japanese/German  team want to take part of the battle for the stage places.

Now…why this idea to do it all as quick as possible, if you can easy it all up till late January, February or even March?! What by the way MinardiF1 is planning to do; make their debut of their PS05 at the Australian Grand Prix!

Back to the first question, well the answer is quite simple actually. It was because they wanted to improve the TF105 further by use of the upcoming winter tests. Mainly on the aerodynamically area’s to make it as competitive and reliable as possible. They also want to do something about the big tyre drop-off, which is crucial for the results.

…Lets talk about the launch itself. In contrast of last year, when Toyota Panasonic Racing invited masses of press people and putted up a whole show, the Japanese vehicle manufacturer opted these for a small-scale performance whereby they invited press more selective.

Personally I found it a nice, stylish launch. Simple but nice. At first sight the 2005 challenger, the TF105 looks pretty much like last seasons challenger, the TF104. But if you put them below each other you will see how different they actually are. Mainly because of the extreme amount of new regulations.                            

A remarkable thing is the strong driver line-up: as driver number 16 and 17; Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher. And as the 3rd and (Friday)test driver Olivier Panis and Ricardo Zonta. Overall the team has 451 Grand Prix of experience and it is the only team in Formula One with three Grand Prix winners. The Drivers and the ‘Big Bosses’ had to answer many question like: ‘What are youre first impressions about the TF105?’, ‘what do you hope to succeed as a team for the 2005 season?’ and Their opinion about the (other) drivers.

The only thing we need to hope for, now, is that the Panasonic Toyota Racing Formula One team will accomplish to get in the points and maybe hope for a few podium results!!

Naomi Willemsen

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