Toyota test stops after crash.

Testing of the new Toyota Formula One car at Circuit Paul Ricard was stopped today after Mika Salo's car suffered a technical failure. His car crashed off the circuit in the late morning whilst braking at the end of the main straight, hit the wall at around 220 kph, suffered only nose damage, and all four wheels remained on the car.

Mika left the car unaided and was examined by team doctor Riccardo Ceccarelli. As a precaution he was immediately flown by helicopter to La Timone hospital in Marseille for a full check up. "Mika has no injuries, just some back pain and I recommended he take some rest before continuing with testing" said Riccardo Ceccarelli.

Mika returned to the circuit within two hours. He will later fly to his home in Finland to rest for a while and will continue with his scheduled fitness programme before recommencing with testing.

The carbon fibre gearbox components, which failed, will undergo X-ray examinations at Toyota Motorsport's headquarters in Cologne before testing restarts mid-week.

"I am very sorry we have to stop testing now," said Mika, "I was very impressed with the car yesterday. We have already made some positive improvements and during the first laps today the car was feeling good."

Team Manager, Ange Pasquali, complemented the new circuit organisation on the speed and efficiency of their reaction to the incident.