2004 Toyota TF104

The Panasonic Toyota Racing used the TF104 for the 2004 Formula One racing season. The racer was unveiled to the public at a media day in Cologne, its headquarters. It was designed by their Chief Designer, Gustav Brunner and his team. It was based on the TF103 and updated with knowledge, testing, and experience gained during the 2003 F1 season. Big changes occurred under the bodyskin where the cars internal components were significantly redesigned.

The car was powered by a ten-cylinder engine set at 90-degree's and estimated to produce around 900 horsepower. The engine was mated to a Toyota seven-speed semi-automatic titanium gearbox and large Brembo disc brakes were used for stopping power. Carbon fibre was used throughout the vehicle to retain structural rigidity while keeping the vehicle at the regulation, 600 kg weight limit.

Gustav Brunner said, 'The TF103 was a highly competitive package. Unfortunately, we couldn't get all of the performance out of it. Theoretically, the TF104 is an evolutionary step up from the TF103, but in fact, the TF104 shares not a single part that we used with the TF103. We improved every single inch of the chassis, and redesigned every important internal component. We achieved a great leap ahead aerodynamically, made the car lighter overall, and increased the rigidity of the chassis.'

The 2004 season got off to a poor start for the Toyota/Panasonic team as both cars were disqualified from the Canadian Grand Prix for running illegal parts. Cristiano da Matta stayed with the team for only a short time in 2004, leaving after the German Grand Prix. He was replaced by Brazilian Ricardo Zonto, who was the teams number three driver. Italian Jarno Trulli, who had left Renault, replaced Zonta after four rounds.

Panis also left prematurely, leaving just before the final race of the season in Brazil. This allowed Trulli to compete in his home race.

Toyota finished the season in eighth-place in the constructors' championship. Their best finish of the season was at the European Grand Prix where they finished fifth.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2007