Toyota to test Castroneves

Testing Friday
By Phil Giles
September 17 2002

Le Castellet Circuit in Southern France will play host to a Toyota test session on Friday of this week. Toyota have invited Helio Castroneves to the circuit in order that they can assess his talent for a possible drive next year.

Toyota appear to be actively looking for a Brazilian driver to partner Frenchman Olivier Panis for 2003 after dispensing with Allan McNish and Mika Salo.

Castroneves currently races for the Penske Team in the US IRL series.  He is a double Indy 500 winner and fits in nicely with the teams marketing strategy.

Christiano Da Matta however is not yet out of the running.  Paddock sources hear that he is the favourite for the 2nd drive, however the experienced Filipe Massa is still out of a drive next year and must be in the competition.

Toyota are not yet ready to announce their decision.

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