By Huw Alban
July 29 2002

Aside from the rumours in the Hockenheim paddock - that Heinz-Harald Frentzen will be driving for Toyota in 2003 - was another suggesting that the German would jump ship by the Hungarian race in three weeks time. This has been strongly denied by Toyota. The rumours all centre (unfairly in my opinion) around Allan McNish being replaced, due to a recent run of retirements by the Scot. The Hockenheim talk suggested that Frentzen would replace McNish and partner Mika Salo for the remainder of the season.

“In direct response to recent rumours concerning it’s driver line-up, Toyota Racing would like to set the record straight,” read the statement from the Toyota press office. “There is absolutely no truth in reports claiming that Allan McNish will not complete the 2002 Formula 1 season with Panasonic Toyota Racing.”

The statement continued by saying that the team had not decided what it’s driver line up would be for 2003, and this is backed up by a similar statement from team President Ove Andersson, during the FIA press conference on Friday. Andersson also stated that Mika Salo has a contract for 2003, but this in no way should be seen as confirmation of the Finn’s drive next year.

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