Toyota launch: Promising first run for Salo

The Finn will be based at Toyota's French test HQ as it prepares for the 2002 season, when it joins Ferrari and Renault as the only teams in F1 to build both its own chassis and engines. Salo's first laps began an 11-month test programme, which will also include many of the world's Grand Prix venues.

He left the Toyota garage on the back straight at Paul Ricard at 13.40 local time (12.40 GMT) and completed half a lap to the pits. He was then flanked on his first out lap by Toyota's Le Mans GT-One and World Rally Car Corolla machinery before embarking on a multi-lap run on his own.

"So far, I'm very happy with what I've seen," said Salo. "When we go racing it will be difficult to say where we're going to be [in relation to the other teams]. But I know the whole team will be doing its best.

"If looks are anything to go on it will be very fast, but all the revolutionary stuff is underneath. Not only for Toyota but for Formula 1, it is important that we are competitive. Formula 1 needs another dominant team - hopefully that will be Toyota. That is why I am here.

"Of course, I've been waiting a long time for an opportunity like this. Now we can get on with the job."

Toyota is obviously yet to fit its traction control system: the car wheelspun wildly out of a second gear corner. Salo had no qualms about opening up the V10 engine on the pits and back straights - all-in-all a very impressive debut run.