Mem Lane; Jan Pg 2
By
January 1 2005
"I came to Toyota because they can win."
By Site Staff - January 13 2003
Toyota new boy, Cristiano da Matta, has wasted no time in putting across a strong and confident attitude to the press with regard to his new F1 career. Apparently Toyota was his choice of team because he believes they are capable of winning.
Confident
Toyota new boy, Cristiano da Matta, has wasted no time in putting across a strong and confident attitude to the press with regard to his new F1 career. Apparently Toyota was his choice of team because he believes they are capable of winning.
Cristiano comes from a CART Championship winning background, and F1 has already seen that this can produce some spectacular results. Who can forget Jacques Villeneuve's fight with Damon Hill in 1996, and his championship winning year in 1997 ? Juan Pablo Montoya has caught the eye of the TV audience many-a-time with his gutsy drives and nerves of steel. Are we going to see another F1 firework in the form of da Matta at Toyota ?
"I'm looking forward to the season and after driving the car I am confident we will do better than last season," he has been quoted as saying to the British press. "I came to Toyota because they can win. Some teams in F1 will never win. Toyota has a very bright future. They have all the resources and are very serious about winning Formula 1. I know I'm not going to win in my first year. That is very unlikely but I think Toyota will win and that is the reason why I joined the team."
With 8 weeks to go until the 2003 season kicks off in Melbourne, the Toyota team will be testing all it can and using da Matta in order for him to build up as much familiarity with the TF103 and F1 as possible.
"I have until March to get used to the car and until then I will be testing with the team every week. I don't think it will be too difficult to get to know the tracks. The main thing is getting used to the car."
McNish will give test duties 100% at Renault
By Site Staff - January 14 2003
The popular Scotsman, Allan McNish, has publically stated that despite his disappointment at being thrown out of the Toyota F1 Team he will give 100% commitment to his new test role at Renault. Rather than looking back at the past, McNish is now focused on a new potential future.
"I'm looking forward to the season and after driving the car I am confident we will do better than last season," he has been quoted as saying to the British press. "I came to Toyota because they can win. Some teams in F1 will never win. Toyota has a very bright future. They have all the resources and are very serious about winning Formula 1. I know I'm not going to win in my first year. That is very unlikely but I think Toyota will win and that is the reason why I joined the team."
With 8 weeks to go until the 2003 season kicks off in Melbourne, the Toyota team will be testing all it can and using da Matta in order for him to build up as much familiarity with the TF103 and F1 as possible.
"I have until March to get used to the car and until then I will be testing with the team every week. I don't think it will be too difficult to get to know the tracks. The main thing is getting used to the car."
McNish will give test duties 100% at Renault
A 100%er
The popular Scotsman, Allan McNish, has publically stated that despite his disappointment at being thrown out of the Toyota F1 Team he will give 100% commitment to his new test role at Renault. Rather than looking back at the past, McNish is now focused on a new potential future.
Q. Allan, it was quite a surprise to see you announced as test driver. How did the Renault F1 Team get in touch with you?
A. I already know the team - I've known Flavio for a long time, since I tested for Benetton at the start of the 90s. When Renault made the decision to adopt the Heathrow Agreement, Flavio approached me. He was looking for an experienced driver and after two years with Toyota, I fitted the bill.
Q. What impression do you have of Renault F1 at the moment?
A. Respect, the progress made by the team over the last two seasons warrants that much. What strikes me above all is how serious the organisation is: every detail has been thought about, tested and refined.
Q. Your role with the team will be quite specific?
A. Yes it will, even if I'm not a race driver, the responsibility of two hours practice on every Grand Prix circuit makes my position as test driver something unique. I will be in the paddock, under race conditions and as well as that, every minute spent on the circuit will be important. Both physically and mentally, I'm preparing for the new season exactly the same as if I were competing in every race.
Q. Just a few weeks ago, did you think you had turned your back on F1?
A. I was disappointed by Toyota's decision not to retain me for 2003. I feel I have lots of potential, and I would have improved more in 2003. That's all in the past though. I prefer to look forward, and Renault is a great opportunity. I knew that my CV still had something to offer an F1 team.
Q. How would you summarise your strengths?
A. As a driver, I think I am very strong technically. I've got plenty of experience, both in F1 (having driven for Toyota and tested for McLaren and Benetton) and in sportscar racing (notably, with Audi and Porsche). I'm a very capable, hardworking, highly-motivated racing driver; 100% committed to whatever I am doing.
Q. Scottish trait, perhaps?
A. Absolutely! We don't like finishing second!!!
A. I already know the team - I've known Flavio for a long time, since I tested for Benetton at the start of the 90s. When Renault made the decision to adopt the Heathrow Agreement, Flavio approached me. He was looking for an experienced driver and after two years with Toyota, I fitted the bill.
Q. What impression do you have of Renault F1 at the moment?
A. Respect, the progress made by the team over the last two seasons warrants that much. What strikes me above all is how serious the organisation is: every detail has been thought about, tested and refined.
Q. Your role with the team will be quite specific?
A. Yes it will, even if I'm not a race driver, the responsibility of two hours practice on every Grand Prix circuit makes my position as test driver something unique. I will be in the paddock, under race conditions and as well as that, every minute spent on the circuit will be important. Both physically and mentally, I'm preparing for the new season exactly the same as if I were competing in every race.
Q. Just a few weeks ago, did you think you had turned your back on F1?
A. I was disappointed by Toyota's decision not to retain me for 2003. I feel I have lots of potential, and I would have improved more in 2003. That's all in the past though. I prefer to look forward, and Renault is a great opportunity. I knew that my CV still had something to offer an F1 team.
Q. How would you summarise your strengths?
A. As a driver, I think I am very strong technically. I've got plenty of experience, both in F1 (having driven for Toyota and tested for McLaren and Benetton) and in sportscar racing (notably, with Audi and Porsche). I'm a very capable, hardworking, highly-motivated racing driver; 100% committed to whatever I am doing.
Q. Scottish trait, perhaps?
A. Absolutely! We don't like finishing second!!!
New Toyota car gets the thumbs up from Panis
By Site Staff - January 14 2003
As has already been well documented, Toyota launched their 2003 contender last week and then commenced a two day test at the Paul Ricard circuit. Despite the unsettled weather, the team were able to get some useful mileage on the new car.
'Positive' ...
As has already been well documented, Toyota launched their 2003 contender last week and then commenced a two day test at the Paul Ricard circuit. Despite the unsettled weather, the team were able to get some useful mileage on the new car.
Olivier Panis was charged with putting the new car through it's paces, and described the experience as 'positive'. Cristiano da Matta also tested 2003 components in the interim TF102B chassis, and is looking forward to putting in some track time in the TF103.
"The weather has been mixed all week, and the track was rarely completely dry," Olivier Panis was quoted as saying last Friday. "I did get some laps in the dry today and my initial impressions of the TF103 are positive, however it is still too early to make any real assessment. Next week's test in Barcelona will definitely give us a clearer understanding. It has been a busy week, and I would like to send my thanks to everyone in the Cologne factory, who worked so hard over Christmas and New Year to get the car ready in time for this test."
Cristiano da Matta added, "We struggled a lot with the weather this week with a lot of heavy rain, but it meant I did some runs in both wet and dry conditions. I learned a little bit more about the 102B car, but we did not get as many laps done as I would have liked. The TF103 launch on Wednesday was very good and the new car looks great. I really cannot wait to drive it at Paul Ricard in two weeks' time."
Toyota are due at the next test at Barcelona today (Tuesday) and are expected to participate for the full three days.
"The weather has been mixed all week, and the track was rarely completely dry," Olivier Panis was quoted as saying last Friday. "I did get some laps in the dry today and my initial impressions of the TF103 are positive, however it is still too early to make any real assessment. Next week's test in Barcelona will definitely give us a clearer understanding. It has been a busy week, and I would like to send my thanks to everyone in the Cologne factory, who worked so hard over Christmas and New Year to get the car ready in time for this test."
Cristiano da Matta added, "We struggled a lot with the weather this week with a lot of heavy rain, but it meant I did some runs in both wet and dry conditions. I learned a little bit more about the 102B car, but we did not get as many laps done as I would have liked. The TF103 launch on Wednesday was very good and the new car looks great. I really cannot wait to drive it at Paul Ricard in two weeks' time."
Toyota are due at the next test at Barcelona today (Tuesday) and are expected to participate for the full three days.
Setup tests for Toyota at Barcelona
By Site Staff - January 14 2003
Toyota had a productive day today on the first day of a three day test at Barcelona. Between them, Olivier Panis and Cristiano da Matta completed 72 laps without any major problems encountered.
More confident
Toyota had a productive day today on the first day of a three day test at Barcelona. Between them, Olivier Panis and Cristiano da Matta completed 72 laps without any major problems encountered.
Olivier Panis had the honour of piloting the new TF103 on it's first test outing and completed 34 laps. Panis's positive feelings after the Paul Ricard test last week transformed into confidence today as he became more familiar with the new machine. "This is our first test with the new TF103 car at Barcelona, and although we did not complete many laps, what we did was very positive," Pans said to the official Toyota website. "The most encouraging aspect is that we have found ourselves in a good position with respectable lap times. I already feel confident enough to push the car to the limit. Last week’s test at Paul Ricard gave us a good baseline, and today’s session gave me a confirmation that the team have done a good job on this car – I can really feel the difference."
Cristiano da Matta continued his familiarisation with the Toyota team in the interim TF102B chassis. Despite not being able to use the new car yet, da Matta talked positively about his days work. "It is good to be back in Barcelona, but it has been a day of mixed fortunes for us," he added on Toyota-F1.com . "We set a very packed schedule today with many laps planned. In the end, I managed just 38 laps, even though we had no major problems. Coming back to this track for the first time since my debut test with the team back in November, I already more confident and positive about my work with the car and the team."
Toyota continue their test schedule tomorrow with the same driver/chassis combinations.
Cristiano da Matta continued his familiarisation with the Toyota team in the interim TF102B chassis. Despite not being able to use the new car yet, da Matta talked positively about his days work. "It is good to be back in Barcelona, but it has been a day of mixed fortunes for us," he added on Toyota-F1.com . "We set a very packed schedule today with many laps planned. In the end, I managed just 38 laps, even though we had no major problems. Coming back to this track for the first time since my debut test with the team back in November, I already more confident and positive about my work with the car and the team."
Toyota continue their test schedule tomorrow with the same driver/chassis combinations.
da Matta learning the F1 trade from Montoya
By Site Staff - January 15 2003
Cristiano da Matta has revealed that he has turned to fellow ex-CART driver Juan Pablo Montoya for advise on how to survive in the world of Formula One. Juan Pablo has advised Cristiano to expect big differences between the two racing disciplines.
On the curve
Cristiano da Matta has revealed that he has turned to fellow ex-CART driver Juan Pablo Montoya for advise on how to survive in the world of Formula One. Juan Pablo has advised Cristiano to expect big differences between the two racing disciplines.
"I talked to Montoya about what the differences are or what was more difficult to get used to and the main differences on the way to drive the car," Cristiano has been quoted as saying by ESPN. "But not about why he succeeded or not.
"He told me that the most difficult thing is that you have a very short time to adapt to a lot of things. He says even though the speeds and the horsepower and a lot of things are very similar between the two series, everything else is different, like the way of working, the size of the teams, everything, tracks, cars, the grooved tyres, the car weight, the electronics.
"He says get the maximum out of every test and every time you are in the car, and when you are with the team try to learn as much as you can. It's been a very, very intense pre-season."
da Matta gets his first taste of the new Toyota TF103 in a couple of weeks time at a test at Paul Ricard.
One of the other areas that might compromise the CART star is the new qualifying procedure, where the driver has just one lap in which to record a qualifying time. "It is definitely not easy, but it is one challenge too," he said when questioned about this. "If I am very used to the car, I feel like one hour is enough to learn the track.
"When you are not used to a car, maybe one hour is not enough time, but with the amount of testing we are planning to do this year, hopefully I am going to be well acclimatised by Melbourne. For sure there is some expectations, but people coming from CART have nothing to prove any more. You have enough. Everybody knows how tough the series is, so I have nothing to prove from that series."
It is widely speculated that Cristiano may turn out to be a prize catch for the Toyota team, and the fans are no doubt looking forward to see what he can do.
"He told me that the most difficult thing is that you have a very short time to adapt to a lot of things. He says even though the speeds and the horsepower and a lot of things are very similar between the two series, everything else is different, like the way of working, the size of the teams, everything, tracks, cars, the grooved tyres, the car weight, the electronics.
"He says get the maximum out of every test and every time you are in the car, and when you are with the team try to learn as much as you can. It's been a very, very intense pre-season."
da Matta gets his first taste of the new Toyota TF103 in a couple of weeks time at a test at Paul Ricard.
One of the other areas that might compromise the CART star is the new qualifying procedure, where the driver has just one lap in which to record a qualifying time. "It is definitely not easy, but it is one challenge too," he said when questioned about this. "If I am very used to the car, I feel like one hour is enough to learn the track.
"When you are not used to a car, maybe one hour is not enough time, but with the amount of testing we are planning to do this year, hopefully I am going to be well acclimatised by Melbourne. For sure there is some expectations, but people coming from CART have nothing to prove any more. You have enough. Everybody knows how tough the series is, so I have nothing to prove from that series."
It is widely speculated that Cristiano may turn out to be a prize catch for the Toyota team, and the fans are no doubt looking forward to see what he can do.
Toyota to challenge the title in 2005 ?
By Site Staff - January 15 2003
There is a definate confidence emanating from the Toyota team at the moment on the lead up to the first race of the 2003 season. Chief designer Gustav Brunner is now on record as saying that Toyota could challenge Ferrari by 2005 - he should know, he used to work for the Italian team !
Looking strong
There is a definate confidence emanating from the Toyota team at the moment on the lead up to the first race of the 2003 season. Chief designer Gustav Brunner is now on record as saying that Toyota could challenge Ferrari by 2005 - he should know, he used to work for the Italian team !
The Austrian, who is widely respected up and down the F1 grid, has been speaking exclusively to ITF-F1.com and has identified Toyota's main weakness as being in the technical areas. The team are taking the sport of F1 very seriously and have a huge budget at their disposal, but despite this Brunner believes that it will take time for Toyota to gain enough experience to reach the top level.
"At the moment, Ferrari is still bigger and clearly better in terms of performance. We are not quite there yet, not quite at their level.
"We are only just entering our second season, so we still need to grow a bit in the technical areas, but we are a good medium-sized team and we are doing a good job. I think it will take about two more years before we reach the level of the top teams.
"I don't see Ferrari being beaten in 2003. They will not have it all their way. The competition will be a bit closer than in 2002, but Ferrari in my opinion will have the edge."
The team are in Barcelona this week for three days, starting an intensive development programme in the hands of Olivier Panis. Early results from the tests are encouraging...
"At the moment, Ferrari is still bigger and clearly better in terms of performance. We are not quite there yet, not quite at their level.
"We are only just entering our second season, so we still need to grow a bit in the technical areas, but we are a good medium-sized team and we are doing a good job. I think it will take about two more years before we reach the level of the top teams.
"I don't see Ferrari being beaten in 2003. They will not have it all their way. The competition will be a bit closer than in 2002, but Ferrari in my opinion will have the edge."
The team are in Barcelona this week for three days, starting an intensive development programme in the hands of Olivier Panis. Early results from the tests are encouraging...
TF103 gremlins being weeded out by Panis
By Site Staff - January 15 2003
Toyota continued their pre season test programme today on day 2 of the 3 day test at Barcelona. Cristiano da Matta continued his familiarisation with the team, whilst Olivier Panis started to find the niggling problems with the new car.
Get them sorted !
Toyota continued their pre season test programme today on day 2 of the 3 day test at Barcelona. Cristiano da Matta continued his familiarisation with the team, whilst Olivier Panis started to find the niggling problems with the new car.
In total both men completed 128 laps, with da Matta taking the lions share in the interim TF102B. "Overall I am extremely pleased with the work we have done today," he said after the session to Toyota-F1.com . "I have had a much more productive session, probably one of the most effective I had with the team so far. We did some work on mechanical car set-up, as well as some Michelin tyre testing. It feels good to cover so many kilometres, even in the TF102B, to get a real feel for the car and to get to know the track."
Olivier Panis had a problematical day as the shakedown runs in the new TF103 started to show up some early issues. Nevertheless, the Frenchman was still able to record the 5th fastest time of the day out of the 9 drivers present. "The car continued to show a very promising level of performance but we encountered various problems, which shortened our on-track time," Panis commented this afternoon. "We could not complete as many laps as we expected today and, in that respect, I am not so happy. I am not worried by these difficulties though, they are typical from the first tests you do with a new car and we are effectively carrying out a sort of large shakedown. Everything should be fine for tomorrow."
Panis and da Matta wrap up this test for Toyota tomorrow, with both men in the same chassis as today.
Olivier Panis had a problematical day as the shakedown runs in the new TF103 started to show up some early issues. Nevertheless, the Frenchman was still able to record the 5th fastest time of the day out of the 9 drivers present. "The car continued to show a very promising level of performance but we encountered various problems, which shortened our on-track time," Panis commented this afternoon. "We could not complete as many laps as we expected today and, in that respect, I am not so happy. I am not worried by these difficulties though, they are typical from the first tests you do with a new car and we are effectively carrying out a sort of large shakedown. Everything should be fine for tomorrow."
Panis and da Matta wrap up this test for Toyota tomorrow, with both men in the same chassis as today.
FIA cost cutting measures backed by Toyota
By Site Staff - January 16 2003
Today the FIA made public a number of regulation changes aimed at reducing the spiraling cost of competing in F1. These measures include a ban on pit-to-car telemetary, a ban on driver-to-team radio communication, and a limit of 2 cars for each race. These moves have met with Toyota's approval.
FIA support
Today the FIA made public a number of regulation changes aimed at reducing the spiraling cost of competing in F1. These measures include a ban on pit-to-car telemetary, a ban on driver-to-team radio communication, and a limit of 2 cars for each race. These moves have met with Toyota's approval.
In a press statement released at lunchtime today, Toyota said:
"Toyota supports and appreciates any FIA initiatives aimed at reducing costs, increasing the safety and improving the excitement for spectators of the Formula One.
"In absence of an agreement between the teams, Toyota welcomes the proposal received yesterday from the FIA and will attend the meeting of the Technical Working Group in London on January 17, with the intent to positively contribute to the definition of the detailed rules.
"Toyota expects the FIA to be open-minded and accept constructive proposals from the teams aimed to reduce costs, with no compromise for the drivers safety."
Tell us what you think of the FIA's initiatives on the message board.
"Toyota supports and appreciates any FIA initiatives aimed at reducing costs, increasing the safety and improving the excitement for spectators of the Formula One.
"In absence of an agreement between the teams, Toyota welcomes the proposal received yesterday from the FIA and will attend the meeting of the Technical Working Group in London on January 17, with the intent to positively contribute to the definition of the detailed rules.
"Toyota expects the FIA to be open-minded and accept constructive proposals from the teams aimed to reduce costs, with no compromise for the drivers safety."
Tell us what you think of the FIA's initiatives on the message board.
"Promising" Barcelona test for Toyota
By Site Staff - January 17 2003
Olivier Panis and Cristiano da Matta completed the first public test session of the 2003 season yesterday at Barcelona, and the team now return to Paul Ricard happy with the progress made. Next week Ricardo Zonta will get his first taste of the Toyota F1 package when he takes the wheel of the TF102B
Good progress
Olivier Panis and Cristiano da Matta completed the first public test session of the 2003 season yesterday at Barcelona, and the team now return to Paul Ricard happy with the progress made. Next week Ricardo Zonta will get his first taste of the Toyota F1 package when he takes the wheel of the TF102B
Overall the team completed over 100 laps on the last day of the Barcelona test, with Panis at the wheel of the new TF103 working on setup and tyre testing, and da Matta still in the interim car doing much the same but with component endurance testing added in.
"We finished this week's test on a very promising note with the new car," Panis was quoted as saying yesterday. "I feel it is competitive and it proved to be responsive to changes. We obviously have room for improvement during the next tests and have identified some good directions of work. I am very happy with the work done."
"I am overall very pleased with this test," added da Matta to Toyota-F1.com. "Although Tuesday was a bad day for me, Wednesday was excellent and today was good as well. I managed a great deal of laps in total and we could test some components that will be used on the TF103 in the near future. I really look forward to having my first ride in the new car next week !"
General Manager of Car Design, Keizo Takahashi, also travels to Paul Ricard happy with the weeks work and clearer now on the path that the team needs to take in developing the new package. "This was our first real test with the TF103 and we are very happy with the outcome," he said. "Olivier did a very good job and is very positive about the new car. We gathered a lot of valuable data in the aerodynamic and mechanical fields but also on the engine and electronics side. Cristiano carried out some important work on components for the new car and all in all, we have a lot in our hands to improve in the coming weeks."
The team are now planning another three day test at Paul Ricard next week, where Cristiano da Matta will get his first taste of the new 2003 car and Ricardo Zonta will start his duties for the team.
"We finished this week's test on a very promising note with the new car," Panis was quoted as saying yesterday. "I feel it is competitive and it proved to be responsive to changes. We obviously have room for improvement during the next tests and have identified some good directions of work. I am very happy with the work done."
"I am overall very pleased with this test," added da Matta to Toyota-F1.com. "Although Tuesday was a bad day for me, Wednesday was excellent and today was good as well. I managed a great deal of laps in total and we could test some components that will be used on the TF103 in the near future. I really look forward to having my first ride in the new car next week !"
General Manager of Car Design, Keizo Takahashi, also travels to Paul Ricard happy with the weeks work and clearer now on the path that the team needs to take in developing the new package. "This was our first real test with the TF103 and we are very happy with the outcome," he said. "Olivier did a very good job and is very positive about the new car. We gathered a lot of valuable data in the aerodynamic and mechanical fields but also on the engine and electronics side. Cristiano carried out some important work on components for the new car and all in all, we have a lot in our hands to improve in the coming weeks."
The team are now planning another three day test at Paul Ricard next week, where Cristiano da Matta will get his first taste of the new 2003 car and Ricardo Zonta will start his duties for the team.
Mark Webber admits to considering Toyota
By Site Staff - January 17 2003
As usual, the F1 merry-go-round sparks a huge amount of speculation around the mid-season mark over who will be driving for what team next year. Did anyone know that Mark Webber had talks with Toyota over a 2003 drive ?
The 2003 line-up
As usual, the F1 merry-go-round sparks a huge amount of speculation around the mid-season mark over who will be driving for what team next year. Did anyone know that Mark Webber had talks with Toyota over a 2003 drive ?
Several media outlets have carried quotes from the popular Australian stating that he was indeed in conversations with Toyota, and that media speculation that he was in line for either a BAR or Sauber drive were way off the mark.
"We did have some talks with Toyota but I was never going to BAR and Sauber," Webber has been quoted as saying. "I would say Jaguar was always the keenest on me. They knew what they wanted early in the piece and went for it - which was reassuring and a nice luxury to have in this game."
The ex-Minardi driver comprehensively outshone his less experienced team mate, Alex Yoong, last year in the AsiaTech powered Minardi and is set to be a relatively unknown quantity with Jaguar this year. Webber has rising star Antonio Pizzonia to act as his bench mark in 2003, and is un-phased by the challenge at Jaguar. "I think Antonio is a very quick driver and for me it's good to have a fast driver in the neighbouring garage because if I can beat him, I'm doing a good job. I'm sure things will be very close between us throughout the season."
"We did have some talks with Toyota but I was never going to BAR and Sauber," Webber has been quoted as saying. "I would say Jaguar was always the keenest on me. They knew what they wanted early in the piece and went for it - which was reassuring and a nice luxury to have in this game."
The ex-Minardi driver comprehensively outshone his less experienced team mate, Alex Yoong, last year in the AsiaTech powered Minardi and is set to be a relatively unknown quantity with Jaguar this year. Webber has rising star Antonio Pizzonia to act as his bench mark in 2003, and is un-phased by the challenge at Jaguar. "I think Antonio is a very quick driver and for me it's good to have a fast driver in the neighbouring garage because if I can beat him, I'm doing a good job. I'm sure things will be very close between us throughout the season."
Toyota OK with FIA ruling to supply 2 engines
By Site Staff - January 17 2003
Yesterday the FIA released a number of cost cutting intiatives that met with the immediate approval on the Toyota F1 team. One of the future intiatives is that all of the major engine manufacturers may be forced into supplying more than one team.
On the test bench
Yesterday the FIA released a number of cost cutting intiatives that met with the immediate approval on the Toyota F1 team. One of the future intiatives is that all of the major engine manufacturers may be forced into supplying more than one team.
Grandprix.com has learned that, as a result of yesterdays meeting between all the team principals, Toyota have agreed that they would supply more than one team if asked to do so. The new ruling is expected to come into force in 2004, with a $10million price ceiling set on any supply agreements. Ford and Ferrari are already voluntarily supplying two teams, and it is widely thought that such a ruling would greatly benefit the smaller teams who are unable to get full works backing.
New teams will also benefit from not having to make massive commitments to engine deals - new entrants into the sport have to pay up front a $48million bond and do not receive TV money for the first 3 years.
New teams will also benefit from not having to make massive commitments to engine deals - new entrants into the sport have to pay up front a $48million bond and do not receive TV money for the first 3 years.
Only 10 laps for Toyota at Paul Ricard
By Site Staff - January 21 2003
One thing is clear, Toyota are on a mission this year to live up to their public statements. In order to achieve their new aims the team need every testing mile possible. Reliability has been on their side, but today in France the weather let them down.
Rain slows play
One thing is clear, Toyota are on a mission this year to live up to their public statements. In order to achieve their new aims the team need every testing mile possible. Reliability has been on their side, but today in France the weather let them down.
The team have released no details on the first day of their three day test at Paul Ricard.
The newly launched Renault F1 car was there for company, but the circuit was shrouded in fog and swamped in heavy rain for much of the day. The weather eventually cleared late in the afternoon, enabling Ricardo Zonta to get his first taste of Toyota machinery. The Brazilian was able to complete 10 laps in the interim TF102B, but no times have been released.
The team hope to continue their test programme tomorrow, weather depending of course.
The newly launched Renault F1 car was there for company, but the circuit was shrouded in fog and swamped in heavy rain for much of the day. The weather eventually cleared late in the afternoon, enabling Ricardo Zonta to get his first taste of Toyota machinery. The Brazilian was able to complete 10 laps in the interim TF102B, but no times have been released.
The team hope to continue their test programme tomorrow, weather depending of course.
James Courtney joins TOMS Toyota Team
By Site Staff - January 22 2003
Toyota looks to have been the next team to join the trend of grooming young and talented drivers in the junior formulas, to prepare them for the jump to Formula One. McLaren, Renault and Jaguar have lead the way, and it is from Jaguar that Toyota look to have poached.
Watch out !
Toyota looks to have been the next team to join the trend of grooming young and talented drivers in the junior formulas, to prepare them for the jump to Formula One. McLaren, Renault and Jaguar have lead the way, and it is from Jaguar that Toyota look to have poached.
Ex-Jaguar test driver James Courtney has signed to drive for the TOMS Toyota F3 Team in the Japanese F3 Championship, having been widely tipped to race in the International F3000 series for Arden. The 22 year old Australian was favourite last year to clinch the British Formula 3 Championship, but he suffered a massive testing accident at Monza whilst driving at Jaguar. Grandprix.com is predicting that if this move proves successful then we might just see Courtney working his way into F1 with the Toyota team. Time will tell...