All change at Toyota for 2003
The Toyota squad has announced this afternoon that it will boast a revised driver line-up from next year, and at the same time made clear current BAR driver Olivier Panis would be joining its ranks.
It was reported this morning that Mika Salo would lose his place next year and there had been much speculation about the place of Allan McNish. Both men have done solid jobs for the Cologne team this year but officials, mindful that the second year for a new team is traditionally the toughest, are seeking a new direction.
‘We would like to thank Mika and Allan for their hard-work during the last two years, which has been integral in building the team up to its current level,’ said TMG President Ove Andersson.
‘This decision was not an easy one for the team and for Toyota Motor Corporation and in no way reflects on their clear racing ability. Both Mika and Allan will complete the remaining four Grands Prix of this season with Panasonic Toyota Racing with the same professionalism and dedication they have demonstrated so far.’
Salo has scored two points for the team this season while McNish has finished in the top ten three times, his best result of seventh achieved at the Malaysian Grand Prix.
One time winner Olivier Panis being signed comes after Jacques Villeneuve looks almost certain to stay with BAR next year to partner Jenson Button after turning down a lucrative offer to drive in the CART series in 2003.
The team said it would announce Panis' team-mate at a later date. Speculation has linked McLaren tester Alexander Wurz, Sauber man Felipe Massa, and Minardi man Mark Webber to the team.
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