The team's test driver, Italian Gabriele Tarquini, deputised for an injured Katayama at the European Grand Prix.

Designed by Harvey Postlethwaite and Mike Gascoyne,[1] the 023 featured a new hydraulic-controlled front suspension system, known as "Hydrolink", which Tyrrell had been testing since February 1995.

The 023 chassis proved to be very mediocre and the team's innovative "Hydrolink" suspension was rendered ineffective due to its deficiencies.

Test driver Gabriele Tarquini stood in for Katayama at the Nürburgring after the Japanese was injured in an acrobatic startline crash at Estoril.

Starting from San Marino Grand Prix onwards, the livery was updated into a light blue top and white paint.