Toyota Drivers Fail to Shine in the Wet

Finn Mika Salo is hoping for a stronger performance from his Toyota team on Saturday following a weak start for the Japanese squad.

Rookies Toyota paid the price for their lack of experience in the wet in today's practice for the San Marino Grand Prix, with Salo posting the 20th quickest time, only ahead of Minardi's Alex Yoong and his own teammate Allan McNish.

Salo, who has scored two points for the Cologne-based squad this year after two sixth places, is confident things will look brighter on Saturday.

"We knew it would be difficult if it rained because we have not tested much in wet conditions, so we don't know much about the tyres," admitted Salo. "We are a long way off the pace at the moment, but I am sure there is something better to come tomorrow."

McNish agreed with his teammate that the lack of testing in the wet was a big handicap for the team, and admitted he was hoping for a dry Saturday.

"We have not had much running in the wet, so we have some work to do on the car's set up," said the Scot. "The first session was not great, but we tried some different tyres in the second session, which seemed to work better. I certainly hope we have drier conditions tomorrow."