By Huw Alban (18/03/03)
March 18 2003

In their official Malaysian Grand Prix preview, Toyota are hoping to continue the strong show from the TF103 but without the problems that beset them in the race in Melbourne. Ove Andersson beleives that his team can chellenge for points. In 2002 an electonics gremlin ruined Mika Salo's race, and a pit stop blunder ruined a certain points finish for Allan McNish but the team got both cars to the flag. When you consider that the 2002 Malaysian Grand Prix was only Toyota's 2nd ever competitive F1 race, this was a pretty superb achievement.

In preparation for this weekends Malaysian race the team have tested extensively in Jerez, including a wet track simulation so any accusation that the team have not prepared can be dismissed. The 2003 car, the TF103, has looked very strong in pre-season testing and performed strongly in the Australian Grand Prix weekend a few weeks ago. The team are hoping that the strong form continues in Malaysia, but are conscious that their Michelin tyres may be a deciding factor especially if the track conditions are damp.

Toyota appear fully aware of their areas of weakness, and are confident that their car can achieve at least one points finish this weekend. "We had a bittersweet season opener in Australia a fortnight ago," Team Principal , Ove Andersson, said in the teams official press preview. "I was naturally disappointed that we left Melbourne empty-handed with neither car making the chequered flag, but we really demonstrated the potential of our TF103 over the weekend.

"I think we can be quietly optimistic for this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix. We did quite well here last year and after a successful test in Jerez last week, we should be able to challenge for our first points of the season."