Sarrazin and Briscoe Named Toyota Test Drivers

The Toyota Formula One team revealed on Friday that Frenchman Stephane Sarrazin and Australian Ryan Briscoe will be their 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 had already driven one race for the Minardi team in 1999 and he then became 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 Sarrazin. "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 had been signed to Toyota Motorsport's Young Drivers programme‚ and in addition to test driving Toyota's TF102, the Australian will participate in the Formula 3000 championship 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 Briscoe. "To join the Panasonic Toyota Racing as official test driver is beyond my wildest dreams."