Toyota completes Suzuka running

Finn Mika Salo set the fastest time of the test with a lap of 1m38.02s, a time good enough for a spot on the last row of the Japanese Grand Prix two weeks ago.

While Salo ran for the first two days, recently-confirmed team mate Allan McNish's running was cut short on the final day with a mechanical problem. The pair concentrated on launch control work, set-up and engine mapping.

"It was a good day to reacquaint myself with the Suzuka circuit," said McNish. "We tried to find the various settings, but unfortunately we stopped a bit before the end of the session with a mechanical problem. Nevertheless, I found it a worthwhile day's testing."

The Japanese marque must confirm its entry for the 2002 World Championship on November 15, and from then on it must adhere to Formula 1's winter testing ban until the beginning of January.

Despite the German-based team's lack of pace, it is confident that good progress is being made as it prepares its GP debut in March next year. Technical co-ordinator of the team's engine department Keizo Takahasi said:" We are all very pleased with our visit to Japan, apart from a few small problems with hydraulic and fuel pressure."

The team is expected to run again at the beginning of next month, when Australian rising star Ryan Briscoe will get behind the wheel of an F1 car for the first time.