December 17, 2001: Introduction of the Race-Ready TF102

The new car, ready for its racing debut in 2002, was given a fresh paint job in the Toyota corporate red and white.

The TF102 had reflected the results of almost a year of testing, designed by Dago Rohrer, technical manager of the chassis department and Gustav Brunner, the chief designer who had come on board in May.

Brunner said, "The car tested during 2001 showed the results we wanted. This new model reflects the latest technology, and has a much more conventional setup than the test car."

The TF102 featured a newly developed RVX-02 engine, designed by Norbert Kreyer and the team that designed and built the RVX-01.

Ove Andersson, president of TMG at the time announced the team's readiness to join the F1 battle, saying, "Our goal for next year is first to 'learn,' and second to be recognized as having been competitive."

The Panasonic Toyota Racing team captures sixth place in its debut race, securing two points, and finishing ninth in the constructor's championship.