The 2009 Toyota TF109 was a Formula One racing car designed and built by Toyota Motorsport GmbH for the 2009 season. The car, which was powered by a Toyota RVX-09 3.0 litre V8 engine, was driven by Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli to fourth and tenth places in the Drivers’ Championship respectively. The TF109 was the last Formula One car to be built by Toyota before the team pulled out of the sport at the end of the 2009 season.
The TF109 was an evolution of the 2008 car, the TF108, and was designed to take advantage of the new regulations that had been introduced for the 2009 season, including the introduction of KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System). The car featured the same low nose as the TF108, but the chassis and aerodynamic package were completely redesigned. The car was also fitted with a new gearbox and improved suspension, allowing it to make the most of its downforce.
The TF109 made its debut at the 2009 Australian Grand Prix, with Glock qualifying in sixth position and Trulli in eleventh. The car’s performance during the race was not particularly impressive, with both drivers struggling to keep up with their rivals. However, the team was able to make steady improvements throughout the season, resulting in a string of points finishes and a fourth place finish in the Constructors’ Championship.
The car’s most notable performance came at the 2009 Italian Grand Prix, where Glock finished in second position after a bold overtake on Lewis Hamilton on the final lap. The result was the best finish for a Toyota in Formula One and it marked the team’s only podium finish in the sport.
Despite the team’s best efforts, the TF109 was unable to challenge for race wins or the championship title. The car’s performance was hampered by a lack of development and a poor reliability record. The team’s lack of success eventually led to its withdrawal from Formula One at the end of the season.
The TF109 was the last Formula One car to be built by Toyota before the team left the sport. Although it was not a race-winning car, it was a reliable and well-built machine that demonstrated the potential of the Toyota team.
The 2009 season was undoubtedly a difficult one for Toyota, but the TF109 served as a reminder of the team’s potential. Despite the team’s withdrawal from the sport, the TF109 remains an important part of Toyota’s Formula One history.
The 2009 Toyota TF109 was a reliable and well-built Formula One car that served as a reminder of the potential of the Toyota team. Despite the team’s lack of success, the TF109 remains an important part of Toyota’s Formula One history.
