Testing begins

Scuderia_Russ · Post 28 Nov 2005, 19:39

Toyota have launched their car, and I know that Minardi have been running a few drivers. Heidfeld has also been out at Barcelona in a Sauber I believe. Rosberg and Prilaux will be testing a FW27 with a Cosworth powerplant in the next few days. This is their interim livery.

manchild · Post 28 Nov 2005, 21:29

I expected more from Toyota when it matters aerodynamics. Why were they in a rush to present bodywork that obviously isn’t quite good since it keeps additional wings at front of the sidepods? Two top teams – Renault and Mclaren never used such things. Throughout the 2005 season such gadgets on car were clear sign of lack of downforce. Speaking of the sidepods, they still look like from 5 seasons ago – very unimaginative and square.

Williams livery looks nice but I still think that as much as deal with Cosworth was great idea deal with Bridgestone was awful idea (unless they design a car according to F2006 blueprints

)

For some teams 2006 and 2007 seasons might turn out to be just waiting for the 2008 when the big decision is expected.

DaveKillens · Post 28 Nov 2005, 22:55

I believe that right now, these are interim cars, testing to make sure the new systems, especially the powerplant, are properly integrated and functioning correctly.
As far as the general aerodynamics, I expect to see a lot of changes after the new year. That is when most will have a car close to racing spec. Right now, the radiator and cooling vent apertures will be accurate to the '06 car.
And the car pictures I have seen so far, I haven't seen any slicks yet.
I wonder if that unique Ferrari nose will remain unchanged. While most had v-shaped wings, Ferrari had the little addition to the front. It certainly looks vunderable and fragile out there, but it sure is a nice place to hang ballast.

Scuderia_Russ · Post 28 Nov 2005, 23:41

manchild wrote:I expected more from Toyota when it matters aerodynamics. Why were they in a rush to present bodywork that obviously isn’t quite good since it keeps additional wings at front of the sidepods? Two top teams – Renault and Mclaren never used such things. Throughout the 2005 season such gadgets on car were clear sign of lack of downforce. Speaking of the sidepods, they still look like from 5 seasons ago – very unimaginative and square.

No way will anything resembling this car be on the grid in Bahrain, it's a launch car that is three months away from the start of the season!

manchild · Post 29 Nov 2005, 00:05

Scuderia_Russ wrote:No way will anything resembling this car be on the grid in Bahrain, it's a launch car that is three months away from the start of the season!

Than what is this? http://www.f1technical.net/news/1350

It is a new car not just new livery on old car - is the TF106. No one ever presented B or C evolution before the season begun. They say that it is first phase of 2006 car – TF106 so I expect evolution during the season but not revolution between this car and something that will appear in Bahrain.

http://www.toyota-f1.com/public/en/news/20051128.html

DaveKillens · Post 29 Nov 2005, 18:50

Sounds captured at the Barcelona test, 29th Nov. The new v-8.
http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=104191

jaslfc · Post 29 Nov 2005, 19:47

my question to the engineers..
1) is the v8 engine much smaller and lighter?
2)if so... wont the cars be able to gain some time back with better aero/balance?

Principessa · Post 29 Nov 2005, 19:56

Is it just me or, does the new Toyota looks just like the old one??

Post 29 Nov 2005, 20:06

jaslfc wrote:my question to the engineers..
1) is the v8 engine much smaller and lighter?
2)if so... wont the cars be able to gain some time back with better aero/balance?

I pointed this idea already several months ago here on the forum. I am convinced that since the engine is simply shorter, the gearbox can be made longer and smaller, especially at the end. I am sure there will be serious aero advantages because of that.

Principessa wrote:Is it just me or, does the new Toyota looks just like the old one??

It is just you

Especially the rear end of the car is new compared to the TF105B that raced in the last 3 races of 2005. That new keel-less suspension is present on this TF106, but the rear is tighter. You can even see that at the back the gearbox is visible and not completely covered with bodywork. This is tight packaging while at the same time functioning as a hot air exit.

@manchild: Mike Gascoyne has already stated the car will undergo vast mechanical developments before applying a new aero package that will be ready for the first GP of 2006

Principessa · Post 29 Nov 2005, 20:11

From the side it looks the same

Post 29 Nov 2005, 20:16

Some other thoughts...

- The engine bonnet looks smaller than that of the TF105.
- I suspect that the sidepods will indeed get a serious update when we close in the Bahrain. They look very boxy and at first I would say they create more drag than those of Minardi. (Just the frontal area then, we all know Minardi is hardly a competitor to $$Toyota$$ )

manchild · Post 29 Nov 2005, 20:16

I’ve downloaded, zoomed and checked at least dozen of TF106 photos and apart from new diffuser and rear end of the car it looks like TF105.

BTW, sidepods on Minardi are SF for TF106.

Principessa · Post 29 Nov 2005, 20:20

Thx Manchild...thought I was going crazy

...

manchild · Post 29 Nov 2005, 20:24

Can anyone tell what are those two vertical things between the rear axle and the sidepod?

This is how it will look in the future if FIA continues to bans technology and make it's own designs.

Principessa · Post 29 Nov 2005, 20:44

Hehe RLOL!!

Super Manchild