Friday March 8th, 2002

Frenchman Stephane Sarrazin made his debut with the Toyota Formula One team at the Paul Ricard circuit, where the Japanese squad carried out a two-day testing session that concluded on Friday.

Sarrazin, who was previously the Prost team's test driver, concentrated on electronic set-ups, launch and traction control system work, and new engine specifications at the wheel of the Michelin-shod TF102.

"Driving the Toyota TF102 for the first time I am very satisfied with the results we have achieved in this session," said 27-year old Sarrazin, who made his Grand Prix debut with Minardi in 1999. "The car feels quite good although I had to get used to the left-foot brake.

"We decided to do an engine reliability test that worked out positively. Both engines we used ran for more than 400 kilometres before they reached the end of their lives."

Toyota, making their Formula One debut this season, had an impressive first Grand Prix in Australia last Sunday, with Mika Salo finishing in sixth place. The team will move to the Barcelona circuit for their next test after next week's Malaysian Grand Prix.

Published at 20:01:19 GMT