The announcement of Toyota's decision to enter Formula One was made in January 1999, and now, three years later they are preparing to enter the sport in the debut season. Toyota has an ambitious long-term vision of being able to challenge for the FIA Formula 1 Constructor and Driver titles. It's an exciting vision that demands an enormous commitment of resources and time, requiring the company to leverage all of its world-leading skills, systems and technology.

By deciding to design and build both engine and chassis from scratch, Toyota has made a huge commitment to its F1 program and the full resources of Toyota will be available to the team to ensure the best possible result. The V10 engine has been entirely designed and built in-house while the chassis has been under design since mid 1999.

Their first ever Formula One car was launched on the 23rd of March 2001 at the team's home circuit of Paul Ricard in the south of France. This momentous event preceded an extensive test program with drivers Mika Salo and Allan McNish, which lasted throughout the 2001 season. During the course of their extensive testing program, Toyota travelled to eleven different Grand Prix circuits worldwide as well as carrying out numerous sessions at Paul Ricard in order to not only develop the car, but to also build itself up as a team.

Now with the 2002 Formula One world championship upon us, they will begin the season as the new boys on the grid, entering the pinnacle of Motorsports for their first attempt at rivaling other engine manufacturers. With other success under their belts, F1's newest team will be giving all in their power to work their way up the grid as quickly as possible.

Allan McNish and Mika Salo were still the designated drivers for the formative year where the team learnt and grew. Initial testing showed a few glitches in their armour, and they finished their debut season in last place with two points to their credit. Before the year was over, it was announced that both drivers were to be replaced and they will start 2003 with Frenchman Olivier Panis and 2002 CART champion, Cristiano da Matta. With the resources and determination behind this newest team on the grid, you can rest assured they will soon be up there running with the best of them.