Toyota IRL V8 completes first day.

The new Toyota Indy V8 engine completed its first official test day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Wednesday, in preparation for entry into the Indy Racing League in 2003.

The Toyota engine ran close to 250 miles with veteran Gil de Ferran behind the wheel of a Toyota Dallara prepared by Marlboro Team Penske.

"We're thrilled to be here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and pleased with how things went today," said Lee White, Toyota Racing Development Group Vice President and General Manager.

"We still have a long way to go to be ready for Homestead in March, though. Now that we've wrapped up the Driver's Championship in CART and, hopefully, will be able to win the Manufacturer's Championship as well, we'll be able to put more focus on our Toyota IRL program. We have a great opportunity with some outstanding teams next year, but we can't forget that Chevrolet has a six-year head start on us with this type of engine."

"One thing is for sure, we're looking forward to being a part of the tremendous competition in the Indy Racing League."

De Ferran is scheduled to complete the two-day test session here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday.

"I really enjoyed being back in the car today," said de Ferran, who returned to the track for the first time since the Chicago IRL race. "It was a privilege to be the first to drive a Toyota at the Speedway. We ran more than 200 miles today and it's just the beginning of our homework for the winter."