Panis to Drive Third Toyota in France
Frenchman Olivier Panis will return to race weekend action during the French Grand Prix, driving the third Toyota on Friday, his team announced

Panis, who retired from Formula One racing at the end of the 2004 season, will replace regular third driver Ricardo Zonta at the Magny-Cours event in July.
"I'm really looking forward to returning to the cockpit at Magny-Cours," said Panis. "I first raced at the circuit in 1994 so I have over a decade of knowledge of the track. Now I hope to use that experience to help Toyota at the French Grand Prix.
"I think it would be a big shame to go through the entire Magny-Cours race weekend without any French drivers. So as well as being productive for the team I hope to give something back to the spectators and to the French TV and press at the race.
"I hope it will be fun for everybody, productive for the team and I hope to enjoy myself."
38-year old Panis signed a two-year deal with the team in a testing capacity, but under previous regulations he was overqualified to drive on Fridays.
The rules, however, were changed earlier this season, allowing experienced drivers to take to the track on Fridays prior to each Grand Prix.
"Olivier's reputation as a quick, technically-minded driver is well documented and he has contributed greatly to the success that we have enjoyed this season," said John Howett, Toyota racing's president.
"Ricardo has a busy race and test schedule this year, so we believe that this decision will also allow him to enjoy a weekend off before returning for the British Grand Prix the following week."

Previous article
Red Bull Aim to Capitalise on BAR Ban
Next article
Horner Expects More Qualifying Changes

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Drivers | Olivier Panis |
Teams | Toyota Racing |
Panis to Drive Third Toyota in France
Trending
Albert Park Circuit Modifications Project
Mercedes-AMG F1 Team: Bahrain GP Race Debrief
The double whammy that is defining Vettel’s F1 fate
It's been a tough start to Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin F1 career, with a lack of pre-season testing mileage followed by an incident-packed Bahrain GP. But two key underlying factors mean a turnaround is no guarantee
The diva that stole a march on F1’s wide-bodied opposition
In 2017 new F1 technical regulations were supposed to add drama - and peg Mercedes back. STUART CODLING looks at the car which, while troubled, set the stage for the wide-bodied Formula 1 era
The themes to watch in F1’s Imola return
Three weeks is a long time in Formula 1, but in the reshaped start to the 2021 season the teams head to Imola to pick things up after the frenetic Bahrain opener. Here's what to look out for and the developments to follow at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The 'new' F1 drivers who need to improve at Imola
After a pandemic-hit winter of seat-swapping, F1 kicked off its season with several new faces in town, other drivers adapting to new environments, and one making a much-anticipated comeback. BEN ANDERSON looks at who made the most of their opportunity and who needs to try harder…
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says NIGEL ROEBUCK
Verstappen exclusive: Why lack of car-racing titles won't hurt Red Bull's ace
Max Verstappen’s star quality in Formula 1 is clear. Now equipped with a Red Bull car that is, right now, the world title favourite and the experience to support his talent, could 2021 be the Dutchman’s year to topple the dominant force of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
Are we at peak F1 right now?
For many, many years Formula 1 has strived to do and to be better on all fronts. With close competition, a growing fanbase, a stable political landscape and rules in place to encourage sustainability, 2021 is on course to provide an unexpected peak
How crucial marginal calls will decide the Red Bull vs Mercedes battle in F1 2021
The longer Red Bull can maintain a performance edge over Mercedes, the better the odds will be in the team’s favour against the defending world champions. But as the Bahrain Grand Prix showed, many more factors will be critical in the outcome of the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship