Formula One news

Gascoyne happy with new car debut

Since the surprise reveal of the TF106 car on Monday, the Toyota team has been busy stretching the legs of its new 2006 car at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. Comprising a new rear-end, modified front suspension, new specification RVX-06 engine and new Bridgestone tyres, the entire team faced a series of unknowns in Spain, but midway through this week's four day test session, initial results have proven encouraging.

Mike Gascoyne

"We did not really have any major mechanical problems," said technical director Mike Gascoyne. "Jarno especially had two reasonably trouble free days running. On Ricardo's car we had hydraulic leak on the first day and problem on the second day with a development fuel pump, but nothing that really affects our test programme. Over all the cars have been very reliable for the two days."

""The conclusion for us is it was very positive," he added. "We have made good progress. The laptimes look competitive, which is pleasing, but I think there is still a lot to come from improving the car further."

"For us the fact that we are testing early we can work on the reliability of the new car and the V8 engine, and we've got time to fix any major issues," he went on. "Plus the fact that our development work with Bridgestone is with the new car, which will avoid any further changes. I think this gives us a good advantage over our competitors, combined with the ability to introduce last minute changes up to the first race."

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