McNish predicts tough battle ahead

McNish has been testing in both Barcelona in Spain and Paul Ricard in France this week, as Toyota is the only outfit to have two of its 2002 cars up and running.

"The new car is a big step forward," said McNish. "But we've still got big learning steps to take. We've worked hard on the car behind the scenes, but now beating the other teams is the next challenge.

"We're not going to challenge the three big teams, but our worry is that the middle order is getting more and more competitive. Benetton was off the pace last year, but the Renault-branded car has been quick in testing. Sauber were very good last year and their car is a development of that, and then there's Jordan, BAR, and, and, and. You're suddenly down to 16th or 18th on the grid and it's going to be pretty hard to break into that middle order group."

Despite this, McNish says he can't wait to make his Grand Prix debut in Australia in March with F1's newest manufacturer.

"Melbourne is going to be a bit of a bizarre experience," he said. "I'm going to achieve one of my dreams and line up among that sort of company on the grid. I'm sure it's going to be an enjoyable experience.

"I believe the tricky part of this project is getting everyone to work together - it's where Ferrari has a head start on everybody else - and the best way to do that is to go and test and learn. It's my fourth year with Toyota and it's beginning to feel like home," he added.

McNish flies to Spain tonight to continue his testing programme at Valencia tomorrow (Monday).