FEBRUARY 28, 2001

Toyota build youngsters program

TOYOTA have continued signalled their plans to build a top motorsport development program by signing young Australian Ryan Brisco.

The 19-year-old will be put on a scheme that is aimed to build young drivers into future stars, and he is expected to enter Italian Formula Renault next year.

Brisco's career is still in its infancy, and it is clear that despite reports to the contrary, he will not be taking to the wheel of the Toyota Formula One car just yet.

"He has raced just two or three times in Formula Renault," said a spokesperson for Toyota. "We will help him as part of the Toyota development program to support young drivers, but he is not an Formula One test driver at all."

Mika Salo and Allan McNish will remain the test drivers for the team, which launches its car in France on March 23.