MAY 3, 2002

Toyota's test-fest

It looks likely that Toyota Motorsport is going to test most of its United States-based hotshots before the end of the season.

IT looks likely that Toyota Motorsport is going to test most of its United States-based hotshots before the end of the season with tests planned not only for Brazilian Cristiano da Matta but also for Helio Castroneves, who will become a Toyota driver next year with Penske Racing in the Indy Racing League. There is also expected to be a test for the Japanese racer Tora Takagi, who is now a Toyota protege in America having failed to make the cut in F1 with Tyrrell and Arrows a few years back.

Toyota has no shortage of drivers on its books with test drivers Ryan Briscoe and Stephane Sarrazin in addition to the regular racers Mika Salo and Allan McNish. The company also has agreements with a couple of young rising stars in the junior formulae.