Did you run the V8 in a specially adapted TF105 chassis in Jerez?
Mike Gascoyne: Yes. We have put a spacer between the chassis and the engine and so have just permanently modified one chassis.

From the overall design perspective, is it easier to work with a V8 because you have smaller dimensions?
MG: It is more compact and so that means you have a bit more freedom in terms of volume. You have to decide where you are going to put the engine from a weight distribution point of view, but it can give more space either in front of the gearbox or, for fuel volume, in the rear of the chassis.

Fuel consumption will be less and so does that have implications for fuel tank size?
MG: Fuel consumption will go down and you've obviously got additional volume to put fuel in, but really it will depend on the qualifying regulations – whether you have to qualify with fuel or without fuel. That significantly alters your strategy on things like tank size.

Are there any downsides to a V8, vibration for instance?
MG: The vibration levels are significantly increased and it's been an issue on the test bench with some of the engine ancillaries. But we anticipated that we would have those problems and we don't foresee any long-term difficulties.

What are the implications of a V8 for chassis stiffness?
MG: Obviously the shorter you make the engine the stiffer it gets. Basically, when you reduce the engine length and put the length on the chassis, the chassis at that point is actually very stiff and so it can aid overall stiffness. But I wouldn't say that it is a hugely significant factor.