Toyota is back to its best level according to Howett

The president of the Toyota F1 team said he was satisfied with his team’s performance this 2008 season. He believes that Toyota has reached the same level of competitiveness as in 2005, the season when they finished 4th in the championship.

The team indeed consolidated its position as the fourth force of the paddock last weekend in Hungary with a second place. It is the team’s second podium this season.

The Briton John Howett sees a tremendous opportunity for the Japanese team to be a top team in 2009. The numerous changes in the regulations should indeed contribute to improved performance.

« At the time, we had a very good 2005 season, particularly because we sacrificed the 2004 season to adapt to regulatory changes. » he comments.

« From now on, all the staff are working together to move the team forward and we cannot afford to make mistakes. If we do not find the right elements for the 2009 season and the numerous changes, we will constantly be struggling at the back. It will take very little for us to compete at the top of the table. »

Some teams have already focused exclusively on the 2009 season, as is the case with Honda. Toyota, for its part, has not yet entered 100%. Howett states: « To be honest, I think we’re going to wait a few weeks before committing 100% to the 2009 season. We have already dedicated many hours to it. »

Toyota must indeed preserve its fourth position in the 2008 championship before focusing solely on the 2009 single-seater and the resulting aerodynamic changes.

« Renault and Red Bull are our main competitors. We have to be strong to remain the fourth team and it’s not a given. » Concludes Howett.