Technical analysis of the Toyota TF107

Compared to last year's car, the development work is not so easily spotted.

The aerodynamic package of wings and sidepods are all due to change before Australia, but fundamental changes to the cars structure are evident.

Firstly, the layout of the car has been altered, by lengthening the gearbox to move the engine forward. This will have two effects: firstly to move weight forward, which will better suit the Bridgestone tyres, and secondly improve airflow to the rear wing and diffuser.

Allied to this change is the new monocoque, which is shorter to maintain the wheelbase and also features a much higher nose section than previously adopted. The whole monocoque forward of the dashboard is raised up, resulting in an upwards slanting chassis and slightly drooped nosecone.

This has forced the Zero Keel front suspension to have the wishbones hanging down at an even more acute angle. The reasons for the raised nose are all aero driven, making the front wing work better and improving flow around and under the car.

Both the front and rear changes have necessitated new packaging for the suspension. This is a key skill of technical man Pascal Vasselon, who now has the corporate title of senior General Manager - Chassis.

The ex-Michelin man has reworked the rear suspension with aggressive angled pushrods and wishbones now mounting solely to the gearbox and not the engine. While the front suspension droops from the high chassis, the visual effect enhanced with a curved fairing over the top wishbone.

Vasselon plans to introduce new steps in the suspension through the year to optimise use of the standard Bridgestone tyres.

Lastly, the new regulations have demanded new composite lay-ups for the both the monocoque and rear crash structure, which now has a more complex aerodynamic shape.

It will be interesting if the rest of the aerodynamic package progresses compared the wide ranging structural changes to the car.