Toyota Encouraged after Strong Showing

The Toyota team were encouraged after a strong display during Saturday's qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix, where the Japanese squad ran for the first time this weekend.

"Two cars in the top ten, well, what can I say? It was a great driving performance from both men, particularly Allan for his first time at this difficult circuit," said chief designer Gustav Brunner. "The team were superb and it is a great result for us."

Finn Mika Salo and Scot Allan McNish enjoyed a promising session, qualifying in ninth and tenth positions respectively. Salo, who is competing in his 100th Grand Prix this weekend at the Principality, was pleased with his pace.

"The car was much better balanced today compared to Thursday," he said. "The team performance was very good to get both myself and Allan in the top ten. Our car has been reliable so far this season and starting the Monaco Grand Prix from 9th on the grid is very promising."

McNish, who had not driven at Monte Carlo before the Grand Prix, completed an impressive day for rookies Toyota with his first top ten qualifying result of the year.

"The car felt better in qualifying than it did in practice this morning, and I found a good rhythm," he said. "I touched the barrier on my first run, slightly affecting the car's handling.

"I want to apologise to Nick Heidfeld for unintentionally holding him up on his last run - it was just an unfortunate Monaco situation."