Toyota launch: All change with TF103

Speaking at the launch of the car at Paul Ricard today (Wednesday), chief designer Gustav Brunner said: "Nothing has been untouched. We've changed everything. We'e changed every aspect of the car and our main focus was aerodynamics."

The design process of the car was aided by Toyota's new windtunnel at its base in Cologne, Germany, which has been operational since May last year.

The visual differences between last year's car and the TF103 are in the details. Overall, the aerodynamic work has made the new racer sleeker than Toyota's first F1 racer. "We have made gains with this car in every area," said Brunner. "I hope that we have come up with a good compromise between building a fast car, but also a reliable one."

The car will be powered by Toyota's new RVX-03 engine. The new powerplant was designed to be lighter and more powerful than the team's 2002 engine. "The priority was to reduce the weight of the engine," said Luca Marmorini, general manager of the team's engine department, "but at the same time maintain the reliability of last season's RVX-02."

Toyota has also announced details of a staff reshuffle. Ove Andersson takes on a new role as vice-chairman of Toyota Motorsport, and will remain as team principal of the F1 squad. John Howett has assumed the position of President of Toyota motorsport, and will focus on the factory-based business of the team. Luca Marmorini has replaced Norbert Kreyer as head of the engine department. Kreyer has moved over to take on a new role as general manager of race and test engineering.