Panis retires at the end of the season

The Frenchman, who won the Monaco Grand Prix in 1996, has expressed a desire to get back to racing after three years of testing for the Japanese car manufacturer.

"Toyota has made much progress and I am happy to have been a part of this," said Panis. "The team was always very motivated and still is. I am really positive about the job the whole team has done and will miss everyone I have worked with, yet I know that it is time for me to move on and fulfil my wish to race again.

"I am looking forward to new racing challenges outside Formula One but I will keep a close eye on Toyota's performance and hope they achieve all the success they deserve."

Toyota paid tribute to Panis' input to the team, and confirmed that Franck Montagny would likely replace him - as autosport.com revealed last month.

Team Principal Tsutomu Tomita said: "We are very thankful to Olivier for the high level of commitment he put into working with the whole team all along our four years of collaboration.

"His technical experience and human qualities greatly contributed to our team development as much as to the improvement of its overall performance. We understand and accept his desire to continue racing. We thank him for sharing his know-how and will support him in whatever he chooses to do."

As well as Montagny, the team are hoping to promote one of their young drivers to the team to help out with testing duties.