Toyota 2009 Preview: A Critical Season

Next on me and Paul Murtagh’s hit list are Japanese giants Toyota. This team have underachieved ever since they started in F1 in 2002. But as we discuss in this article there could some hope for Toyota this season.

STATS AND INFORMATION

Panasonic Toyota Racing

Team Principal: Tadashi Yamashina

Technical Director: Pascal Vasselon

Team Base: Cologne, Germany

Chassis: TF109

Engine: Toyota V8

Tyres: Bridgestone

Grand Prix: 122

Wins: 0

Podiums: 8

Poles: 2

Fastest Laps: 1

Points: 219

2008 Position:  Fifth (56 points)

Last 5 Seasons:

2004 – Eighth (9 pts)

2005 – Fourth (88 pts)

2006 – Sixth (35pts)

2007 – Sixth (13pts)

2008 – Fifth (56pts)

First Driver: Jarno Trulli

Nationality: Italian

Age: 34

Starts: 199

Wins: 1

Podiums: 8

Poles: 3

Fastest Laps: 0

Points: 214

Best Season: Sixth (2004)

Second Driver: Timo Glock

Nationality: German

Age: 27

Starts: 22

Wins: 0

Podiums: 0

Poles: 0

Fastest Laps: 0

Points: 27

Best Season: 10th (2008)

DISCUSSION

Daniel Chalmers

So next in our team previews are what you could call F1's big underachievers or could that be sleeping giants? What did you make of their improved 2008 campaign?

Paul Murtagh

It was an improvement, but not the improvement I had been expecting. They had a very strong mid-season, and I think a poor start cost them a higher place in the championship.

I just sometimes wonder about their place in F1; they have overspent during their time in F1, which is very disappointing because they have succeeded in every other category they have taken part in.

Daniel Chalmers

It was certainly a respectable season with a podium each for Trulli and Glock. They were consistently challenging for points and when the track and conditions suited them they looked really strong. Hungary was a good example of this.

But despite the improvement, they weren't as strong as they were in 2005. They should still have done better, I think. We have to see if they can continue in the right direction this time, rather than the complete opposite after their last relatively positive successful season back in 2005.

Paul Murtagh

Do you think they will ever succeed in F1? I have my doubts, and I think it's down to the mentality of the management. We have seen Honda try and fail to succeed in F1 as a manufacturer team, and I have a feeling it will be the same for Toyota in the long-term.

Daniel Chalmers

Well 2009 is a huge season for them. They have an opportunity to catch up and show they are capable. I am seeing far more positive signs and vibes coming from the team at the moment.

I think they can take another step forward this season. Personnel wise they seem a bit stronger and they seem to be more determined.

The appointment of Frank Dernie last season was hugely inspiring. As an ex-Williams employee he has huge passion. I think he has helped install some of that into the team who were being far too corporate.

Since Mark Gillian joined the aero team, the car has been stronger and Pascal Vasselen is really growing more into the role of technical director. And let’s remember Toyota still have the budget and facilities.

Paul Murtagh

I think you are right about Frank Dernie. He will bring fresh ideas to the team and knows how to win races. What did you make of Timo Glock last year? I thought after an initial struggle he did a very solid job for the team.

Daniel Chalmers

I think he was one of that group of drivers who struggled to get heat into the Bridgestone tyres for a single lap. Trulli on the other hand was always able to get an extra 0.3 seconds when it mattered, and this really put Glock on the back foot.

But all credit to Timo, he worked hard with his engineer, and he turned it round and ended the season very strongly. His drive in Hungary was top class.

Paul Murtagh

Especially when you consider the big crash he had the race before at Hockenheim. I think we will see an even better Timo this season, and if he has the car expect a few more podiums to his name.

Daniel Chalmers

I can definitely a see another good season from him in 2009. I think having a young driver as part of the team has been another key difference with Toyota recently. He think he has really helped to add enthusiasm and energy into the team thanks to his youth.

I think Ralf Schumacher leaving the team and (reducing the driver wage bill) was a huge step for Toyota. Toyota seem happier in general right now. The atmosphere is good.

Paul Murtagh

Yeah it definitely helps, especially with the cost-cutting measures being introduced. What do you make of Jarno Trulli? Has his time passed in F1, or does he still have something to give?

Daniel Chalmers

I am going to make a big statement here and say that over a single lap Jarno Trulli is the fastest driver in Formula 1. His one lap record is superb. It doesn't matter what car you give him, he is always quick over a single lap. Last season was no different in that respect.

The only difference this season was that he was much happier with the car, and he had good race pace to match. He had a brilliant 2008 season. If he gets given a good car in 2009, he will do a very good job again.

Also, he has never been happy with grooved tyres due to graining problems that he has had.

I remember him in 1997 being mega fast on slick tyres, and showing great race pace. I think he could make a huge impact in 2009. He is looking really on it and motivated at the moment.

Paul Murtagh

I think he will need a good season this year because Toyota are getting pressure from the big bosses in Japan, and this will be passed onto the drivers. I don't think he is the fastest over one lap but definitely one of the fastest. Do you think he is capable of winning another grand prix? His race pace has been questioned in the past.

Daniel Chalmers

I see no reason why not. If he gets the car which is a huge "if" then I believe he can deliver. His race pace last season was very good. We saw far less Trulli trains due to the fact that Toyota was easier on its tyres.

Therefore, Trulli didn't get that graining problem he has always suffered from. I think will see even more from him on Slicks. I am not expecting Glock to make the jump on Trulli this season. I think Trulli will continue to be Toyota's No. 1 driver.

Paul Murtagh

I think you are right there about Trulli in that he will remain the team's No. 1 driver. What is your feeling on the future of Toyota in F1? Will they remain in F1 for years to come as a stand-alone manufacturer, or can you see them throwing all their weight behind Williams as an engine partner?

Daniel Chalmers

It all depends on how successful they are in 2009. If we get a downward spiral like between 2005 and 2006 then Toyota will be gone by 2010, in my opinion.

However if they make another step forward, then I think Toyota will persist with the F1 operation. What the important people back in Japan consider to be a successful enough season to stay in F1, I am not sure.

Will a move up to fourth in the championship be enough for them or are they looking towards the top 3 and beyond? Would that first win be enough?

Paul Murtagh

I think fourth behind Ferrari, McLaren and BMW is their target this year, with a race win. Anything less and they will be disappointed.

The bigwigs in Toyota will be wanting a return in their investment, and considering the recent withdrawals by Japanese teams across motorsport including Honda F1.

I think they could be withdrawn as you say at the end of the season unless they start being successful.

Daniel Chalmers

I think getting a win would probably be enough to turn heads back at Toyota, and convince them that staying in F1 is worth it. I think the sheer elation and joy of winning a race would really change Toyota.

Can it happen? Not impossible in my opinion. Their new car looks really clean and very well thought out.

It’s not aggressive like the Red Bull car we discussed earlier but the low risk approach could well end up being the right one. We will see who has taken the right approach this season.

Paul Murtagh

Do you think that their decision about KERS could pay off? They came out early and said they wouldn't be using it at the start of the season, meaning that they could focus on developing the car instead of trying out KERS to make a decision.

Daniel Chalmers

It will go one of two ways. The KERS teams may have reliability problems and not get the best out of it and struggle. That will make it seem like an intelligent decision by Toyota, and turn it into an advantage for them.

On the other hand the KERS team may get a very good grip on the technology by Melbourne and use it to their advantage in terms of lap times, and therefore Toyota will be at a disadvantage as well as a sitting duck on F1's long straights. Which will it be? I wouldn't like to say.

Paul Murtagh

It is a difficult one to call but at least the team has made a definitive decision on KERS whereas other teams haven't. So can you see them taking that sought-after first win this year?

Daniel Chalmers

Like I said earlier I really believe that it is possible. Toyota is one of a number of teams who I believe have a chance of making the top step. In my eyes, Toyota are looking in much better shape this season than they did last season.

Look at the test in Bahrain. At the moment, what Toyota has done appears to be working extremely well and in terms of times they are right there with BMW and Ferrari.

In the Bahrain test last season, they were nowhere near Ferrari time wise. I know it’s only testing but to be consistently tagging along with Ferrari on multiple test days shouldn't be ignored at all.

Paul Murtagh

They looked to have improved but we won't know until Melbourne whether they have done a good enough job. But with Glock sure to have improved and Trulli on a mission to prove he still has it, Toyota surely will improve, and with it the chance to stay in F1.

Daniel Chalmers

I think Toyota is in the best condition they have ever been in. Yes it’s taken a long time but you know the saying "better late than never." If Toyota can have a successful season I am sure the board would soon forgive the amount of time it’s taken.

Paul Murtagh

Let's hope so, for both their own and F1's future.

Daniel Chalmers

So putting you on the spot. Win or no win? and what championship position are you going to predict?

Paul Murtagh

I think a win but only in exceptional circumstances. And an improvement on last year but once again fifth in the constructors, but only because Ferrari, McLaren, BMW and Renault will be so strong, and not because Toyota will have fallen back.

Daniel Chalmers

I agree with 5th in the championship but only because I think it’s going to be very close this season in F1. I actually think they will get a win, but a little bit of luck may be needed.

The next few weeks is important for the car development, two or three teams will form a gap and march clear of the field before Melbourne. Toyota will be working hard to be one of them. I am confident there will be more podiums, though.

Paul Murtagh

Let's hope they can be more competitive to give us a better season

MARKS

Chassis: 7.5

Engine: 8

Aerodynamics: 7.5

Mechanical grip: 7.5

Drivers: 8

Reliability: 9

KEY QUESTIONS

Can Toyota finally deliver their first GP victory?

What is Toyota’s long term future?

Will not starting the season with KERS be the right decision?

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