Toyota signs Aussie for F1 attack

TOYOTA has announced the signing of young Australian racing driver, Ryan Briscoe, to its new driver development program.

The program is intended to cultivate young talent and guide it through the ranks to Formula One.

Toyota plans to return to Formula One racing in 2002, and Briscoe could be in the world's premier racing category by 2004 if everything goes to plan.

Briscoe will receive training in some of the skills required by professional racing drivers, including a marketing course and foreign languages, while his fitness will be monitored by the Toyota F1 team doctor.

The 19-year old from Sydney won multiple Australian go-kart titles before moving to Italy in 1995.

He has since been successful in various championships in North America and Europe, winning the North American Formula A Championship in 1998 and the Italian Open Formula Super A Championship the following year.

Briscoe is the third Australian young driver to be in contention for a Formula One, with Mark Webber currently testing for the Benetton/Renault Formula One team and James Courtney signed to Jaguar and racing this year in Formula Three.

Briscoe plans to race Formula Renault in Italy this year, Formula Three in 2002 in either German or Britain.

"It's a great opportunity although Formula One is not guaranteed," said Briscoe. "I'm thrilled, it's come completely out of the blue."Toyota plans to enter Formula One next year with its own engine and chassis combination. The car is scheduled to be unveiled in France later this month.

A test in a Toyota F1 car has yet to be confirmed for Briscoe.