Toyota Vow to be Stronger in 2004

Toyota team boss Ove Andersson has promised his team will be stronger next year after a promising second season in Formula One.

The Cologne-based team, who made their Formula One debut last year, finished in eighth position in the Constructors' Championship, having scored 16 points. Brazilian Cristiano da Matta closed their second F1 season with two points in their home Grand Prix in Japan today.

Andersson was pleased with the result.

"To take two points in our home Grand Prix is a very nice feeling and we can return to Cologne with our heads held high," said Andersson. "We finish the season in eighth position in the Constructors' Championship, which is where we probably should be after only our second season in Formula One.

"My ambition tells me that I would have liked to be further up, but it was a more difficult year than our debut season, and one from which we have learned a huge amount. I want to thank the team for the hard work and effort that every single person has put into this season.

"We will back racing next year with a better car and even more determination to be successful and to give our competitors an even harder time."

Frenchman Olivier Panis finished in 10th position.