01 March: Australian Grand Prix Q & A: Mike Gascoyne
Technical Director Chassis, Mike Gascoyne, talks about pre-season testing, the brand new TF105, and the team's expectations for
the first race in Melbourne.
Mike, what has the testing programme been since the launch of the TF105 in Barcelona in
January? We have spent our time in testing concentrating on setting up the TF105 and working on long runs to learn how well
we have coped with the new technical regulations in terms of the reduced downforce levels caused by the aerodynamic regulations for
2005. Both race drivers Jarno and Ralf are starting their first full season with Toyota this season, so we have also used testing as
an opportunity to gel as a team. Together, along with our test drivers Olivier and Ricardo, we have also been developing the engine
and working closely with Michelin on evaluating their tyres. All in all, it has been a very busy period for us, not only in the
build-up to Australia, but also because we are abiding by a thirty-day limit in testing during the course of the season. That aspect
has made pre-season work doubly important.
Testing times have been less than scintillating - are you concerned? I am
not and never have been concerned by lap times from test sessions. In my opinion, people tend to read far too much into testing
times, which gives an unrepresentative picture of team performance. Each team has its own bespoke testing programme and it serves no
good to be tempted to lower the fuel load for a quick test lap. We have been focussed on long runs to evaluate our performance and a
clearer indication of our true competitiveness will only be seen in Melbourne. I stick to my firm belief that Toyota will enjoy a
successful season in 2005.
Why did the team introduce such a revised aerodynamic package so soon after the launch? The
official launch of the TF105 in January took place comparatively early and was intended to give us a head start with development of
the car. We were able to hit the ground running in Jerez at the start of January and begin our work in earnest. We always planned to
introduce an extensively upgraded aerodynamic package for Melbourne and that tested for the first time in Barcelona in the middle of
February. We did not expect to draw any concrete conclusions from that test in terms of lap time because of the nature of the
recently resurfaced Barcelona track, so we treated the session more like a three-day shakedown of the new package. That said, both
drivers responded extremely positively and noticed an immediate improvement in the car.
In what ways do you think the
revised aero package will reap rewards? Aerodynamic regulations have reduced downforce levels by 25%, so our competitiveness
will be a result of work carried out in the windtunnel, mainly. The aero improvements will not stop here, though, as we have already
plans to introduce a new front wing in Malaysia and continuous development thereafter. Our approach is far more aggressive than it
ever has been and I think it has to be in order to propel Toyota up the grid during 2005.
What new parts will be introduced
on the TF105 in Australia? The bulk of the TF105 that will race in Melbourne was seen on the package that ran in Barcelona a
few weeks back, but we do have some more parts coming for Australia, including a new rear wing.
What are the technical
characteristics of the Albert Park track? Melbourne is not a regular race track and is set up especially for the Formula 1
race weekend. So firstly, the circuit conditions change a lot over the weekend. On the opening day, it is usually very dusty after
all the hard work that has gone into getting the track ready. The track does rubber in over the three days of the event, but we race
on very different track conditions to early in the weekend. Unlike a lot of temporary circuits, Albert Park has a good mix of slow,
medium and fast corners, but most teams and cars will be running close to their respective top levels of downforce. Although the new
rules have reduced downforce levels, we have all been working hard in testing to overcome this deficit. It would not surprise me if
some cars have even regained the lost downforce by Melbourne.
What areas of the car are put under most stress during the
Australian GP weekend? Albert Park is moderately hard on the brakes and temperatures can be quite warm, so for the first race
of the season, we have to pay close attention to the cooling package - especially with Parc Ferme before the Sunday morning
qualifying and afternoon race.
What is the biggest challenge for Toyota heading into the Australian GP? All teams
will have to deal with many unknown factors during the Australian GP weekend, as a result of the revised technical and sporting
regulations. We have had to develop an engine to last two race weekends, tyres to last a complete race distance, and we have a new
qualifying format. This combined with the aero restrictions for 2005 will make Australia a particularly challenging weekend for
everyone.
Finally, how do you expect Panasonic Toyota Racing to perform in Melbourne? I think we have an exceptional
reliability record from pre-season testing, so I am confident that we will be okay on that front. Performance-wise, it is almost
impossible to draw conclusions and we will have to wait and see come Melbourne where we stand in relation to our rivals.
