Kobayashi closes on Toyota testing role

The Japanese racer, who is competing at this weekend's Macau Grand Prix, is poised to replace outgoing Toyota tester Franck Montagny. He is likely to twin the role with a season in GP2 next year.

Kobayashi first tested a Toyota last December and it is understood he will return to the cockpit for the team at Jerez in Spain next month. An announcement about Kobayashi's new role could come as early as this weekend.

When asked about the possibility of him becoming Toyota's official test driver next year, Kobayashi told autosport.com: "Yes, it looks like it. I should do the next test in Jerez, but it has not been confirmed yet."

Toyota have shown themselves to be keen to promote youngsters in their young drivers programme.

Recently, supported driver Kazuki Nakajima has been confirmed at Williams-Toyota for 2008 after impressing the team as test and reserve driver this year.

Kobayashi finished fourth in the EuroSeries Formula Three championship this year, winning his first race at the support round for the French Grand Prix.