WE HAVE NO plans of covering the Formula 1 season 2002. But the launch of a new Formula 1 car from one of the leading sports cars manufacturers makes an exception. Do you remember the Toyota 2000 GT, do you remember Toyota at Le Mans, do you remember various MR2´s?? This is why we are taking part in a F1 racing car launch.

The Japanese has taken a significant step on its path to Formula 1 with yesterdays unveiling in Cologne of its definitive 2002 challenger, the TF102. Official drivers, Mika Salo and Allan McNish, will give the car its race debut at the Australian GP at Melbourne on March 3 2002.

Panasonic Toyota Racing's F1 car, TF102, is a successor to the team's 2001 test car, TF101, and comes with a brand new livery.

Panasonic Toyota Racing is one of only two to produce its own chassis and engine under one roof, and is the first new entrant to do so since 1979. It is also the first Japanese manufacturer to compete in its own right since 1968.

Over 30 countries are represented amongst the 550 employees at the team's base in Cologne, making Toyota truly a 'United Nations' of F1.

Tsutomu Tomita, Chairman of Toyota Motorsport and Managing Director of Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan, said:

"We are extremely pleased to make Toyota's first ever race car debut today. Though we have only just climbed over one of many hurdles we will face during our F1 challenge, we want to share the joy and excitement of the completion of the car with all of our partners and Toyota members."

FACTS
· New Toyota Formula 1 racing car
· Toyota V10, 90 degree, 2998 cc
· Toyota 6 speed Semi-Automatic gearbox
· Drivers:
· Mika Salo
· Allan McNish
· Toyota engine and Toyota chassis
· Debut: Australian GP at Melbourne on March 3

Images:
1) Panasonic Toyota Racing F1 TF102. 2) The Drivers, McNish and Salo. 3) Cockpit. 4) Toyota V10, 2998 cc engine. 5) Michelins.

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