DECEMBER 18, 2008

Toyota runs Caldarelli

Panasonic Toyota Racing finished off its 2008 testing programme by introducing Italian youngster Andrea Caldarelli to Formula 1. The test took place behind closed doors at the Bahrain International Circuit, and finished off the remaining kilometres left in the team's testing allowance of 30,000km.

Panasonic Toyota Racing finished off its 2008 testing programme by introducing Italian youngster Andrea Caldarelli to Formula 1. The test took place behind closed doors at the Bahrain International Circuit, and finished off the remaining kilometres left in the team's testing allowance of 30,000km.

Caldarelli (18) is from Pescara, Jarno Trulli's home town, and was given the test as a member of the Toyota Young Drivers Programme which has supported his career since 2007. He raced this season in the Formula Renault West European Championship and Eurocup. He completed 128 laps.

Toyota was busy testing the new Bridgestone Potenza slick tyres in conjunction with a low-downforce aerodynamic configuration, while the RVX-08 engine was put through its paces with an eye on next season, when engines must last for three race weekends. In addition, a new gearbox and other mechanical devices were tested while some work was completed to advance the team's Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) development. The team expect to test KERS for the first time on track in January. This work involved Trulli, Timo Glock and test driver Kamui Kobayashi.