By Nick Sparkes
May 26 2006

Toyota is hoping that the introduction of the new TF106B will bring them much luck and success with its debut at this weekends Monaco Grand Prix. Although the new car will run a different aero package to cope with the high down force nature of the circuit, the team are confident of a strong result. Toyota always seems to launch an updated car at the right tracks. Last year the TF105B made its debut in front of its home crowds in Japan, with the TF106B making its debuts at probably the most special and historic of racetracks"At Monaco you are so close to the track that you can feel how fast an F1 car really is. So it is a special place and it will be even more special this year because we will run our TF106B for the first time.” Pascal Vasselon explains the importance of the new TF106B, which will carry Toyota’s hopes of a return to the podium this season. “The car is a long-planned mechanical evolution of the TF106 that we have raced so far this year, featuring a development of the new front suspension concept introduced on the TF105B at the end of the 2005 season. Our policy is constant evolution and the TF106B gives us an excellent mechanical base for continued aerodynamic development during the season.”

For this weekend the team are running a different aerodynamic package, as are most of the well-funded Formula One teams. But, aerodynamics are not just the deciding factor, as Pascal says, tyres and drivers will give you the winning edge here at Monaco. “At Monaco we always run a different aerodynamic configuration anyway to achieve maximum down force around the twisty streets, but it's a place that tyres and driver are more important than anywhere else. We have made good progress in partnership with Bridgestone and we have two drivers who always perform well at Monaco so we are looking forward to it."