Toyota and the Rule Changes

schtumm
By Sophie Mason
October 29 2002

This week all eyes were firmly on the FIA meeting and the subsequent changes to the F1. Toyota have been strangely silent. This may be because Toyota are so new to F1 that they didn't have a vote at the meeting, however the question remains: How will the changes affect the team?

Qualifying - It's unknown how changing the format of qualifying will affect the team as far as performance goes. What it does ensure is maximum TV coverage for the team and of course their sponsors.
Points. With points now being awarded for positions up to 8th this is bound to favour mid grid teams such as Toyota. It's worth noting that had this system been in place in 2002 then Salo would have finished the season on 10 points and McNish would have had 3.
Tyres. Although this rule change will have the most benefit for Williams and McLaren, it will have a knock on benefit for all Michelin teams with 2 tyres being available at each race rather than one.
Testing - This change is aimed at smaller teams who don't have budget to test. This shouldn't affect Toyota.
Team Orders. This affects all teams and has been welcomed. However it remains to be seen how the FIA will police and enforce this rule.

The proposals will certainly mean a change to the spectacle of the sport, it remains to be seen if Toyota can turn this to their advantage.