Toyota commited to a free test programme

Lots of work to do
By Site Staff
January 8 2003

As part of the new rules for Formula One in 2003 the F1 pack have been offered the opportunity to limit their testing to 10 days. The incentive is that any teams taking this option will be given 2 extra hours of practice time on Friday at each Grand Prix venue.

Toyota have announced that they will not be taking up this option, instead remaining with a 'free' programme throughout the year.

"Whilst Friday morning practice may be an advantage in terms of immediate car set-up for the race weekend," explained Ove Andersson, "we still have a wide range of things to learn and develop. We are opting for free testing in 2003 in order to obtain an overall steady progression throughout the season."

Toyota are also confident that the new super-qualifying rules will play into their hands, and offer the team more opportunities to better their 2002 points total of 2.

"The revised rules in Formula 1 are good for the sport and applicable to every participating team," noted Team Manager Ange Pasquali. "There will be no single team or driver that is penalised under these new rules. Every team is still on a level playing field."