Paul Ricard test - 17-20 September.

Panasonic Toyota Racing completed a productive four-day test at Circuit Paul Ricard in the south of France today, with the introduction of its intermediary TF102B car a notable highlight.

The car incorporates next season's RVX-03 engine as well as a new seven-speed gearbox, and completed 172 laps - almost 1000km - in the hands of French test driver St?phane Sarrazin during the four days. Although Thursday afternoon was wet, the rest of the test was dry, if slightly cool and overcast, allowing the team to log some valuable data.

"We ran our 2003 engine, the RVX-03, for the first time and I am very happy with progress," commented Norbert Kreyer, general manager of the team's engine department, "We did not have too many problems, and it seems we are heading in the right direction. It was a positive and encouraging four days and it has been a real advantage to test next year's engine early on to give us more time for further development in advance of the 2003 season."

Allan McNish and Mika Salo were also on testing duty alongside the former F3000 race winner, running some new aerodynamic parts on the TF102 in preparation for next weekend's US Grand Prix. McNish ran on Tuesday and Wednesday, managing a total of 107 laps, whilst Salo completed 40 laps during Thursday's session.

The team also offered Brazilian driver Helio Castroneves the opportunity to drive the TF102 in today's session, with the IRL driver completing 75 laps during the day and emerging happy with his maiden F1 experience.

"I loved every single second of today's session," the bubbly Brazilian enthused, "I did quite a few laps, doing some long runs as well as some qualifying laps. This was my first time in a Formula One car and I was impressed by how easy the TF102 was to drive, and especially by the braking. The team were great and worked professionally and I am very happy with the overall organisation of the day."