Toyotas First Test Day In F1

[Unity112]

Taken from www.f1-live.com

[quote]
the new Toyota Panasonic Formula One team experienced their first day of official testing alongside their soon to be rivals at the Catalunya circuit just outside of Barcelona today. Allan McNish took charge for the opening day, the Scottish rookie completing a total of 38 laps of the Spanish track on his way to setting the fifth best time overall.

Cool overnight conditions ahead of early morning rain saw a damp track for the majority of the day, however McNish was one of the few that managed to get in some lap times prior to the downpour. Apart from a small electronic problem, McNish was more than pleased with the way day number one eventuated and is now looking forward to getting down to some serious testing in dry weather.

"Considering the weather conditions today, the car felt very good and smooth to drive. I am looking forward to testing it in the dry when we can really get to work,

[Zsolt67]

Cant wait to see them at the USGP!

[Acilec]

Yes, this is good news and has been highly anticipated. Did you know Toyota has over 600 full-time employees dedicated to the Formula 1 program!? Ove Andersson is the man for this. I don't know about Mika Salo and Alan McNish being the drivers. It was good to hire them initially as they have the experience, but they better get rid of these guys after the first season, they're too old already and have been away too long. I think Toyota made a big mistake by not hiring a Japanese driver, i.e. Takuma Sato. Fricken Honda got Takuma. A well played card, I think this guy will be world champ one day. But not until after Mr. Montoya has been champ for a while! Kimi Raikkonen is another one to watch, the only thing that sucks is that he is driving a Mercedes! In any case, the season will start in March and it's going to rule!

Go Toyota!

Hopefully they'll have some F1 decals and parts available for our Celica soon!

Big F1 Fan,

Fin

[Zsolt67]

I agree, but its hard to get top drivers in a unproven car. time wil tell.
http://community.webshots.com/storage/1/v1/9/4/37/22390437uiwaZeFnpa_ph.jpg
Taken at 2001 USGP SAP tent

[gilboman]

BUT BAR got Villeunve and the BAR car sucks big time

[Acilec]

True, and now Craig Pollock left and things could get worse. But they may also get better. Both Villeneuve and Panis have been quite loyal. However, Villeneuve has stated that if the BAR 04 car is not competitive this year, he will be leaving. Villeneuve really wants to replace Barichello at Ferrari to give Schumi a run for his money. But ever since Villeneuve crashed into Michael in 1997 forcing him out of the running (when Villeneuve went on to become world champ), there has been bad blood. So it seems, times do not look good for our beloved Jacques Villeneuve! I like the guy though.

Laterz,

Fin

[Vincent Vega]

Originally posted by Acilec
But ever since Villeneuve crashed into Michael in 1997 forcing him out of the running (when Villeneuve went on to become world champ), there has been bad blood. So it seems, times do not look good for our beloved Jacques Villeneuve! I like the guy though.

It's actually Schumi who crashed into Villeneuve, forcing himself out of the race and leaving Jacques run away with the title.

Too bad for Jacques he still has to drive a Honda this year. Damn this guy is probably one of the 2 best drivers of the world... I am not too confident about BAR stepping up their game in 2002.

I can't wait to see how Toyota will perform though, with all the money they invested in F1. A first year is always a learning year... but still, the confrontation with Honda might be quite interesting.