Toyota Announces Further Formula One Developments
In its continuing progress towards entry into Formula One by 2002 at the latest, Toyota Motorsport can today confirm further significant developments. The Cologne-based team will undertake a series of tests in 2000 with last year’s Le Mans car, the Toyota GT-One, which will be used as a development machine for various systems to be used in the F1 programme. The purpose of the test with the GT One car, is to collect data on circuits, tyres and hydraulic systems performance.
In addition, Toyota is pleased to announce that Allan McNish has been appointed as its F1 test and development driver. The British driver, who competed for Toyota in the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans, will become responsible for testing duties of Toyota’s prototype F1 chassis during the 2001 season.
“I’m delighted that Allan has joined us at this exciting time in Toyota’s history,” said Ove Andersson, President of Toyota Motorsport Gmbh (TMG). “His ability and experience over the years have marked him out as a talented driver. In his single seater career he demonstrated his natural ability and, in recent years, he has been a true star of sportscar racing. His speed, consistency and technical knowledge are now invaluable skills to us as we continue development towards our entry in Formula One. Allan’s arrival is another vital step in our progress.”
McNish (30), began his test duties with Toyota by driving the GT-One car at Monza, Italy recently. “This is a great day for me. To join Toyota at such a significant stage in the company’s motorsport development is a great challenge. It’s a wonderful opportunity and I’m really looking forward to playing a major part in the F1 programme,” he said.
The Scotsman, whose impressive list of successes includes overall victory in the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans and second place in the recent Sebring 12 Hour race, has recorded numerous international triumphs in his career.
Toyota Motorsport GmbH is Toyota’s European-based motorsports centre. From its headquarters in Cologne, Germany, it has operated Toyota’s World Rally Championship programmes (winning seven WRC titles) and, in 1998 & 1999, the Le Mans 24 Hour race entry. It is now responsible for the design, build and operation of the Toyota Formula One programme.
Pictures are available on the following website: www.tte.de
For further information, please contact: Toyota Motorsport GmbH
Tel: +49 (0) 2234 1823 361. Fax: +49 (0) 2234 1823 37. E-mail: pr@tte.de
ENDS
