Following the surprise launch of their TF106 yesterday, Toyota will commence testing their new steed in Barcelona today.
In announcing the new car, Toyota again confirmed their full driver line-up for the 2006 season – with Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli filling the race seats as expected, while Ricardo Zonta and Olivier Panis will fill the all-important test driver roles. Zonta has been confirmed as reserve driver.
The test also marks Toyota’s first outing on Bridgestone tyres, following the signing of a multi-year deal earlier this month. This early testing will allow them to get to grips with the characteristics of the new tyres early, no doubt allowing a better marriage between car and tyre come the opening race next year.
Toyota have decided to follow a radically different approach to 2005 championship-winners Renault, who plan to run their V8 engine on the bench only until January. Whether this approach will pay off remains to be seen but considering Mike Gascoyne’s expertise and Toyota’s vast experience in making small engines go fast, the Toyota should be no slouch…
Edu de Jager
DailyF1News.com
