Zoom The Toyota test team hard at work in Bahrain

Toyota tested recently for six days in Bahrain, putting many more miles on the new TF108 package. Senior Chassis Manager Pascal Vasselon takes questions about the test as well as Toyota's preparations for the new season.

How do you assess the first four tests of the year?
"We are happy with the progress we have made with the TF108. It has been very obvious from the first test that the TF108 is a different animal compared to the TF107, with much better stability and an all-around much better basis to work on. Our drivers feel a lot more confident in the car and they are able to push more. We have found that set-up work is much more straightforward and it is much easier to make progress in that area."

What has the team been focusing on during these tests?
"After basic systems checks at the roll-out, which is more of a shakedown really, we have been looking at set-up and car development. We have spent the time learning how to use this package so we have worked on getting the mechanical set-up suited to the new aerodynamic concept. Because the stability of the TF108 is so much better we have to revisit most of the set-up directions we had developed with the TF107. "

Are you happy with the baseline configuration of the TF108?
"Yes, because during the development of the new car I said our main target was to improve the stability and drivability and that is exactly what we have done. It is a clear step forward which has a lot of potential to be developed even further. From the first test it was clear we were working in a different ball park and performing better."

What areas are you looking to improve?
"At the moment I would say we have gained the stability we were looking for so we are now focusing on the improvement of pure aerodynamic efficiency."

Are you concerned by the gap to the fastest cars?
"If you compare what is comparable, which means comparing times within the same test sessions and taking into account estimated fuel loads, you will see that at the moment the gap reflects a performance gain for the TF108 compared to last year. Of course there is still a gap, it is not good enough, and we are constantly striving to close it, but compared to this time last year I believe we are much closer to the cars at the front of the grid."

So has the true potential of the TF108 been seen yet?