Motor Age: What are the key areas that PTR will derive better performance from?
Howett: The big focus for us has been aerodynamics, but at the same time performance has been squeezed out of every part of the package, including the engine and the powertrain, particularly in relation to the F1's change to a common Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the four-race gearbox. Another area we believe we can improve dramatically in is our race start performance.
Motor Age: Toyota is one of only two F1 teams to both design and manufacture the entire car under one roof. How do you manage that challenge?
Howett: We have a committed and highly skilled international staff that brings an exotic wealth of experience and views together. In this team, you have different people from all around the world. This is because we try to get the best people. It's important what they are good at, not where they are from.
Motor Age: How important is the Toyota Way to the team?
Howett: I still believe people don't truly understand Toyota's great challenging spirit. In Formula 1, it is not just a question of winning and buying success; it is about doing it Toyota's way, by developing a team from the ground up using a more open structure of evaluation, of seeking to exploit every opportunity and learning from the total opportunity.
