Franck Montagny to join Panasonic Toyota Racing18.10.2006

Panasonic Toyota Racing has reached an agreement for Franck Montagny to become its third driver.

The team is delighted to add Franck to its driver line-up and he will complement race drivers Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli, who are already confirmed for next season. He will begin his new role from the start of next year.

Franck, 28, boasts five years of Formula 1 testing experience and has already established a good feeling with the team after making his debut in a Toyota TF106B at Silverstone on 19 September.

Panasonic Toyota Racing Chairman and Team Principal Tsutomu Tomita said: "Franck is an experienced driver who knows the tracks and has a strong and successful record of developing Formula 1 cars. His outing at Silverstone was a good opportunity to familiarise himself with the team at a time when discussions were almost complete. He worked well within the team and his performance confirmed we have made the right decision."