Toyota’s contender for the 2009 Formula 1 World Championship, the new TF109, broke cover today at the Japanese team’s Cologne headquarters in Germany. Designed and engineered in line with new FIA regulations, the TF109 racer is distinguished by the new wings that are wider and lower at the front and, narrower and smaller at the back. Furthermore, the F1 racer does not feature any aerodynamic add-on devices, such as winglets, as they have been banned, while for the first time in 12 years, slick tires – Bridgestone Potenza – will be used.

For the 2009 F1 Season, Toyota’s driver line-up will continue with Jarno Trulli, Timo Glock and “third driver” Kamui Kobayashi.

During the presentation, Panasonic Toyota Team president John Howitt said: “After eight years in Formula 1 we have gained a huge amount of knowledge and improved considerably. We are hungry to win and ready to win, there should be no doubt about that. The new regulations pose an extra challenge, but at the same time offer an opportunity. We have everything we need to win, some exceptionally talented people and a huge motivation to succeed, so now it is down to us to actually make it happen.”

Toyota TF109 outline technical specifications

Length/height/width (mm)

4,636/950/1,800

Weight – inc. driver and camera (kg)

605

Monocoque

Moulded carbon fibre

Suspension

Carbon fibre double wishbones with carbon fibre trackrod and pushrod

Dampers

Penske

Wheels

BBS forged magnesium

Tyres

Bridgestone Potenza

Brakes

Toyota/Brembo

Transmission

7-speed, plus reverse

Engine

Configuration

V8

Capacity (cc)

2,398

Max. rpm

18,000 (FIA limit)

Max. power (bhp)

740 (approx.)

Valve actuation

Pneumatic

Throttle actuation

Hydraulic