Toyota discloses unprecedented details of F1 development

The change of engine has of course had a major impact on the chassis side – for example, it is 0cms shorter and has different cooling requirements – but it has had other wide reaching effects on the way the TF 06 (and its tyres) have been developed.

“We have roughly 200bhp less, so it’s a massive difference in terms of energy input into the rear tyres,” says Pascal Vasselon. “It’s a massive difference as well in terms of top speed, so for sure the development of compounds and aero efficiency is affected. If you want to simplify it, apart from the engine, the performance of the car is mainly about the combination and correct usage of two maps: the aerodynamic map and the tyre map.”

The return of tyre changes during pit stops

Toyota’s decision to move to Bridgestone tyres for 2006 was followed by a regulation change that sees the return of tyre changes during pit stops. In 2005, drivers had to use one set of tyres for qualifying and the race, which put the emphasis on longevity. Now changes are back again, and drivers will be able to run several of the seven sets that they are allocated for the weekend. Race strategy again becomes a complex balancing act between fuel loads and tyre performance.

“Bringing back tyre changes during the race changes your approach completely,” says Richard Cregan. “In 2005, all teams were restricted largely by the size of the car’s fuel tank – we were often trying to run very long stints in order to gain places later in the race, but this year the length of the stint will be more determined by the tyre and the life of its peak performance.”

"Racing will become more complex than it was in 2005, but that’s a challenge the team relishes."

“It’s a real bonus in terms of interest for Grand Prix preparation, because last year the tyres were rock hard,” says Pascal Vasselon, ”with very little wear, almost no graining, no blistering. There were many ways to get it right because those tyres were tolerant. Now the mileage requirement will drop to 80-100kms, so it means that we will be back to very unstable tyres.

These tyres will wear dramatically, will grain, will blister, so it will be much more difficult to get it right, much more demanding in terms of set-up. It will be difficult to find guidelines to make sure that for every single event, we have the right set-up. It will be very demanding as well in terms of strategy anticipation.

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