TF109 Launched

Toyota are the second team to launch their 2009 car, the TF109. Like the Ferrari F60, and probably all the other cars, it doesn't look particularly bad, but the massive front wing and tiny rear wing do look a little odd. The Toyota's front wing is a whopping 1.8 metres wide, although it just manages to stay within the width of the wheels, so maybe that will offer it some protection. But these new spec front wings so far all look like they'll fall off if looked at wrong, so I stick by my prediction that we'll be seeing plenty of pitstops for nosecone replacements this season. Just have a look at this picture from the TF109 launch:



The attachment doesn't look any stronger from the side, either. I know carbon fibre is crazily strong, but surely it won't take much more than a light side impact to knock that wing off. You know, the kind of impact that happens almost every race to some in the middle of the field in the very first corner...

There are more pictures and information about the TF109 at the Toyota F1 team website.

Launches still to come (according to ITV-F1.com):

January 16 McLaren
January 19 Renault
January 19 Williams
January 20 BMW Sauber
February 9 Red Bull Racing
TBA Toro Rosso, Force India