The F1 dictionary: T

Tank slapper

The term used to describe the performance characteristic when the back-end of a car steps out and, in rather violent fashion, starts to zigzag as the driver attempts to wrestle it back under control. It's also what commentators might refer to as a 'big moment'.

T-bone

The steak-sounding description applied when one car unceremoniously crashes straight into the side of another to produce something akin to a carbon fibre fireworks display.

Technical Working Group

The technical version of the Sporting Working Group which consists of all the team's relevant technical directors. See also: Sporting Working Group; FIA.

Telemetry

The technology that allows engineers to monitor and calculate performance data from an F1 car while it is out on the track.

Testgate

Mercedes 'secret' tyre test controversy of 2013 that came to light in explosive style on the morning of the Monaco GP and rumbled on for several fascinating weeks thereafter. The case was eventually heard by an inaugural FIA Tribunal and Mercedes were found guilty of contravening the regulations, with a reprimand and ban from the Young Driver Test meted out as punishment.

Testing

The mileage undertaken away from a race weekend in order to maximise a car's performance. Now limited to 15,000km per team per season as a means of saving money. Also hugely misleading.

Tifosi

Nickname applied to Ferrari supporters. Of whom there are quite a few.

Tilke, Hermann

F1's resident track designer who critics suggest produces one Sepang for every five Yas Marina Circuits. We couldn't possibly comment.

Todt, Jean

Poacher turned into gamekeeper who led the revitalisation of Ferrari's F1 fortunes in the 1990s and early 2000s before succeeding Max Mosley as the FIA president in 2009. Currently in his second term in office.

Tokens

The new F1 buzzword related to engine development with each manufacturer allowed to choose what parts of the engine they wish to develop and will spend a set of ‘tokens’ on. For 2016, the limit is 32 and a loophole discovered by Ferrari means teams can 'spend' them at any stage of the season. Set to be dropped from 2017.

Tost, Franz

Toro Rosso's low-key but no-nonsense Austrian team principal who was once a junior driver in his own right. See also: Scuderia Toro Rosso.

Tow

The advantage a trailing car receives when the car in front punches a 'hole' in the air, resulting in its pursuer having far less air resistance to overcome and the impression that the trailing car is 'sucked' closer.

Toyota

Japanese manufacturer which competed in F1 as a full constructor between 2002 and 2009 but, despite a substantial outlay, failed to win a single race.

Track

The tarmacked thing that a grand prix takes place on. The condition of the asphalt will develop dramatically over the course of a grand prix weekend, which is why Sky Sports F1's very own Martin Brundle calls it a "living, breathing thing". See also: Green; Brundle, Martin.

Traction

The maximum amount of force that a car can transfer onto the track to enable acceleration.

Traction Control

The system on a Formula 1 car that eliminated wheelspin prior to it being banned by the FIA from the 2008 season following the introduction of Standard Electronic Control Units.

Transmission

The catch-all reference to a car's engine and gearbox.

Tung, Ho-Pin