Toyota set for 'emotional' F1 debut

The new outfit, which has been gearing up for its GP debut since Toyota gave the green light to an F1 project in 1999, arrived in Australia on Sunday. The 60 team members, including race drivers Allan McNish and Mika Salo, received a huge welcome at Melbourne airport.

"This will be a very emotional weekend for me," said Andersson. "Two years ago, our first Grand Prix seemed so far off, yet here we are. So much work has already been done, but there is still a lot more to do. We are a very young team, so we will need time to learn to work together.

"People keep asking me about my expectations for this year - well, I don't have any. In Melbourne it is important that we qualify and then try to finish the race with both cars."

McNish is raring to go for his GP debut and has already completed a lap of the Albert Park circuit - on foot. "At last!" he enthused. "I'm now on the verge of making my Grand Prix debut. I cannot wait. I've already jogged around the track in Albert Park and it seems like a good challenge, with a mix of fast and slow corners. My main goal here is to finish the race and learn from that experience."

His experienced team-mate Salo attended last year's race as a frustrated spectator and is delighted to be back as a competitor this time. "Testing has gone quite well for us, but we will only know where we are after qualifying on Saturday," said the Finn. "I've finished in the top six every time I've raced at Albert Park, but I think it's a bit unrealistic to think we'll do that this time. Our aim must be just to finish."