Toyota’s rather pathetic Formula 1 squad launched their TF108 challenger for the 2008 FIA Formula 1 crown today. Considering that their performance has been bottom rung as of late - I suspect the car more than their drivers, as Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher were more than capable of challenging for podium spots - ANY kind of progress and ANY kind of design plagiarism would be a good thing. Even their engine customer team, Williams F1, outpaced their factory counterpart during the 2007 season. As readily visible, Toyota F1 has adopted the “bridge” upper element in the front aero section pioneered by McLaren last year. The sidepod vertical element is reminiscent of the Honda F1 RA106 chassis. The bargeboard design appears to have evolved as well.

All this author can say is, you can sell millions of cars and be known as a quality manufacturer, but their F1 programme sucks.