2003 Season Review: Toyota F1 Management


2003 Season Review

By Toyota F1 Media
November 11 2003

This feature looks back at the 2003 Formula One season from the perspective of Toyota management, Ove Andersson and John Howett. They discuss the season, the drivers, and the changes for next year.

 
2003 Season Review: Management Part One
 
Team Principal of Panasonic Toyota Racing, Ove Andersson and President of Toyota Motorsport, John Howett discuss Toyota's second season in Formula 1 from a managerial perspective talking about the drivers, the F1 regulations, the success stories and the lessons learned. Both men also look ahead to 2004 with production of the team's TF104 car already underway and change within the technical structure over the crucial winter development period.

How would you rate progress of Panasonic Toyota Racing this year?

Ove AnderssonOve Andersson: Common sense tells me we should be quite pleased with what we have achieved this season, but my ambitions tell me that we should have achieved more. It should be remembered that we have only competed in 33 grands prix, so we are still learning many things and eighth in the constructors' championship is probably where we should be in our second season. If I were to sum up the year I would describe it as productive, successful and above all character building.

John Howett: I agree with Ove, I am pleased with the year but not really satisfied. We want to get to the sharp end of the pit lane, but that takes time. We know in which direction we should be heading and we have built firmer foundations this season, which we can build upon for 2004. Generally, we have seen some impressive performances from the whole team this year, particularly in qualifying, but the race results have been elusive.

John, what are your thoughts on Cristiano's performance this season?

Howett: Cristiano has performed exceptionally well in his rookie year. He has a very strong mental character, which he has displayed on numerous occasions this season. When we have had problems, he is able to simply get out of one car, get into the T-car and push to the limit with no complaints. He's totally focused and very stable. His biggest setback this year has been lack of knowledge of many of the circuits on the calendar, but he will be on a level playing field with everybody else next season, so I am sure he will make great strides in 2004.

Ove, are you satisfied with Olivier's performance this season?

Andersson: I am more than satisfied with what Olivier has achieved this year. He has been instrumental in developing the car and the team over the course of the last twelve months. His technical ability is renowned and he is able to pinpoint problems quickly and more importantly come up with solutions. I do not believe we have given either Olivier or Cristiano the car to match their talent, but this is something we hope to rectify in 2004. I admire Olivier's commitment and dedication to Toyota and - together with Cristiano - he has been a real motivation for the team at the track and in Cologne.

How have Olivier and Cristiano gelled in their first season with the team?

Andersson: In my opinion Olivier and Cristiano work very well together and they have been a big asset to Panasonic Toyota Racing. Both of them are very different in terms of personality and style, but this combination is a successful one. I was never in any doubt of their driving ability and in some instances they have surpassed my expectations, but if we had been in the position, as a team, to give them better tools, we would have had even better results.

John HowettHowett: Olivier has lots of F1 experience and technical know-how and Cristiano is still learning. They have worked well together, there has been a good atmosphere and that has been positive for the team. They are good motivators and they deliver the speed when we can get the car in its sweet spot. I'm very happy with the job they have done for us this year, but I'm sure that next year will be even better.

Did any races particularly impress you this season?

Andersson: In all honesty, there were several races that really impressed me. I think the qualifying lap from Cristiano in Monaco was pretty exceptional considering the demands of the circuit and the fact that it was his first time driving there. And Olivier was eight-tenths quicker than everyone in one of the sessions in Hungary. From a race point of view, fifth and sixth in Hockenheim was excellent. And the Suzuka qualifying laps from both drivers were impressive, even if we benefited somewhat from rain late in the session.

Howett: Early in the season, we lost the opportunity to pick up what would have been valuable championship points, but as always at the start of the year, it is possible to take advantage of others misfortune. The first race in which we demonstrated our real potential was for me in Barcelona. This was also the first track of which Cristiano had prior experience, and he really came showed what he can do. Throughout the season we had flashes of real competitiveness, like qualifying in Indy, the race result in Hockenheim and being P1 in the practice sessions in Brazil, Nürburbring and Hungary.

Continue to Part Two
 
 
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