SEPTEMBER 8, 2001
Toyota pounds round Hungary
THE nascent Toyota Formula 1 operation has spent most of the week in Budapest, trying out its test hack with a host of new systems and a much revised powerplant.
The Cologne-based team notched up over 400 laps in three days at the venue, and the drivers reported back favorably on the progress made since the team's recent outings at Silverstone and Spa.
"The new specification engine was a definite improvement," said test driver Allan McNish. He added, somewhat impenetrably: "I concentrated most of the test on setting various parameters as well as working on the usual standard test procedures."
Team leader Mika Salo meanwhile was quite clearly focusing on the Toyota's electronics in readiness for his racing return with the team in 2002. "This test we have been doing some different gearshift strategies working on up and downshifts as well as some distance-related differentials," he said.
"I also did some launch control work, which was feeling much nicer. We are just continuing with our work from the last test and making some more steps ahead, so I am happy."