Toyota launches TF102 for the 2002 F1 season.

In the third week, Formula One witnessed the entry of the new players Toyota into the F1 scene. They unveiled their contender for the 2002 season, called the TF102, at a grand ceremony to mark the launch. The team designer and other officials said that they have maintained a conservative approach in the car since they didn't want to experiment too much with their first model in Formula One. The car was launched with drivers Mika Salo from Finland and Alan McNish from Australia, who would be the race drivers for Toyota in 2002. The car, colored in white and blue, would wear the main sponsor names of Toyota and Panasonic. Toyota is the only second constructor in Formula One to have both the design and chassis of their own. The first is Ferrari. All other teams have different providers for engines and chassis equipment.

Toyota are said to be the dark horse in the 2002 season with their heavy budget in only their first appearance in the sport. There were reports of Toyota purchasing a well known race track in the eastern world for their heavy testing schedule. With costs reaching almost $250m, perhaps the highest in the pit lane currently, Toyota have already sent a message to the present teams that they have the spending power and the technology that is required to excel in F1. With their early launch they have setup a good schedule in front of them for having a race car ready by the first race at Melbourne on 3rd March, 2002. With the recruitment of 550 employees and a brand new office premises, they don't look concerned with the recession hitting the sport and some teams finding it hard even to complete their testing budget.

Teams like Prost who have already gone into receivership and Arrows have been worst hit by the lack of sponsorship money. As Prost has a deadline of January 15 to find a major sponsor to at least plan their 2002 season, team boss, legendary race driver Alain Prost is leaving no stone unturned to fulfill his endeavour. On the other hand, Arrows, with the main sponsor of Orange, a global telecommunications company, is in a better position. Team boss Walkinshaw was quoted as saying that his team had the resources to compete in 2002 with a proper testing schedule.

As all teams unravel their contenders for the new season, weekly articles here will keep you updated with the news and reviews surrounding them. The next launch will be that of the BAR team (British American Racing). Watch this space for more on that next week. Cheers.

Go To Page: 1

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic