Formula One news

Toyota won't make predictions

John Howett

After four years in Formula One and five podium positions in the last season the expectations are rising at Toyota. The team launched its 2006 contender this week already during the first week of testing in Barcelona. The TF106 is expected to win races, although Toyota's Motorsport President John Howett does not want to make any predictions.

Ricardo Zonta

"It is too early to have any clear indication of our how competitive we are, but development of the TF106 will be relentless to extract all the benefits of our continuous improvement maxim, to always stay ahead of the game," said Howett.

Toyota's test in Barcelona was shortened by one day because weather interrupted the test. Toyota was able to try out the tyres of new partner Bridgestone for three days. Howett finds it important to get as much mileage as possible on Bridgestone tyres. "The Bridgestone agreement was only signed recently and it is important to get the partnership working as quickly as possible It's the only way to build up a strong relationship and to develop the chassis and the tyres together." 

"The fact that we can test the new mechanical package and suspension together with V8 engine and Bridgestone rubber will surely give us a valuable head start."

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