Toyota Motorsports Formula One driver Mika Salo has made a surprise appearance at the Australian preview of the new Lexus SC430 sports car.

Salo was revealed as the driver of the SC430 when the car's fully retractable hardtop roof was lowered during its premiere at the 2001 Melbourne Motor Show.

The Finnish driver is about to begin an intensive testing program with the Toyota Formula One challenger he will debut at the Melbourne Grand Prix in 2002.

"Formula One represents the highest levels of technology and performance, so it is appropriate that Mika help us unveil the fastest car ever designed by Lexus, Toyota's luxury brand," said Toyota Australia senior executive vice-president, John Conomos.

"It was also timely given that the SC430's Australian premiere coincides with Melbourne Grand Prix week, and in one year from now Mika will be back in town to drive our company into a new era," said Mr Conomos.

Thirty-three-year-old Salo is a highly-rated Formula One competitor who has campaigned for several teams.

In 1999 he impressed observers while substituting in several grand prix for injured Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher.

Salo drove successfully for Sauber in 2000, but this year chose to test the new Toyota grand prix car instead of contesting the Formula One title.

"My decision to test instead of race was not taken lightly," said Salo. "But having seen how much effort is going into the Toyota Formula One project, I am happy to take this step. I welcome the challenge of helping the birth of a new F-1 team."

Salo will be joined in the testing program by highly respected Scottish driver Alan McNish, who last year won the American Le Mans Series driver's title.

The Toyota Formula One program is based at Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) headquarters in Cologne, Germany.

TMG, then known as Toyota Team Europe, was responsible for Toyota's World Rally Championship-winning program, and the company has since undergone a huge expansion program to prepare for Formula One.

Toyota's first-ever Formula One car will have its world premiere at the Paul Ricard circuit in France later this month.