Toyota announced test drivers

Panasonic Toyota Racing has today revealed that Frenchman Stephane Sarrazin and Australian Ryan Briscoe will be its test drivers for the 2002 season. The team used the occasion of the annual Toyota motorsports press conference in Tokyo to announce the news.

27-year-old Sarrazin is no stranger to Formula 1, having driven one race for Minardi in 1999 and subsequently as test driver for Prost Grand Prix, a position he held until 2001.

"I am really happy to be given the opportunity to test drive for the Toyota team," said Stéphane. "It is not only a big step for me personally but also a huge boost for my career, and I can't wait to get started."

20-year-old Briscoe has been signed to Toyota Motorsport's Young Drivers' programme since early 2001 and this year, in addition to test driving Toyota's TF102, will participate in Formula 3000 with Nordic Racing.

"Toyota has fully supported my career from the beginning and I am thrilled to now be given the opportunity to test drive in F1," said Ryan. "To join the Panasonic Toyota Racing as official test driver is beyond my wildest dreams."

Panasonic Toyota Racing begins its first Grand Prix next week with Mika Salo and Allan McNish driving at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

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