formula143

Grand Prix History in Scale Models

2003, Christiano da Matta, Minichamps, Toyota

2003 Toyota TF103 Da Matta

The TF103, Toyota F1 car for the 2003 season, was the further evolution of the first combat Toyota F1 vehicle, the TF102 from the team’s inaugural season of 2002. The car designed by Austrian Gustav Brunner had better aerodynamics and less weight compared to TF102. The improved version of the Toyota RVX engine, RVX-03, also was lighter and more powerful than its predecessor. The driver lineup was changed as well. Toyota signed experienced and reliable French driver Olivier Panis. The second seat was given to Brazilian Christiano Da Matta, newcomer to F1 but reigning CART FedEx Championship Series Champion from 2002. Toyota’s drivers were regular mid-of-the-grid competitors fought with the rivals from such teams as BAR, Sauber, Jaguar and Jordan. Da Matta scored 10 championship points that year, four more than his veteran teammate Panis.

SeasonSeriesEvent
2003F1WC
Driver No.Entrant
Christiano da Matta21Panasonic Toyota Racing
Scale ManufacturerCollection
1:43Minichamps
Cat. No.QualityRarity
400030021

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