Toyota rejects Bridgestone complaint

The Japanese giant insists it is exempt from any testing restrictions until the start of next season, but Bridgestone has complained that it is unjust that Michelin will be able to evaluate the results of the Spa test just two weeks before the Belgian Grand Prix (click HERE for full story).

"The FIA rules allow us to test until December 31, 2001," said Toyota's motorsport boss Ove Andersson. "By entering the 2002 championship we will be subject to all the rules from January 1, 2002. This is what the FIA has told us in writing last November and on the basis of that letter we have made our 2001 test schedule.

"We are not trying to get an unfair advantage and Michelin will supply us with standard and control tyres, which they did last week at Spa-Francorchamps," he added.

Current Formula 1 teams are banned from testing at a circuit less than three weeks before it is due to hold a Grand Prix.