Since starting in F1 in 2002, Toyota has continued to expand and improve a program for fostering young drivers who can compete in the top racing series in Japan and the world. The program is designed not only to uncover and train talented drivers, but also to help them progress through the stages of competition. This system is called the Toyota Young Drivers Program (TDP).

The Formula Toyota Racing School (FTRS) is one central component of the TDP. Drivers can participate beginning at age 14, if they have a record of participation in KART racing. The school is held once per year (2009) over the summer break to allow students to take part.

Masanori Sekiya, a long-time Toyota driver and the first Japanese to ever win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, serves as head of the FTRS. FTRS instructors are all highly experienced Toyota race drivers capable of imparting detailed instructions to FTRS attendees. The school is conducted as a training camp on the Short Course at Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka Prefecture over three days and two nights.

Of special note is that those drivers attending on an FTRS scholarship who exhibit particularly outstanding promise are awarded a scholarship to participate in races over the following year. During 2010, six FTRS graduates competed in FCJ (Formula Challenge Japan), participating in racing activities for one year with the support of technical advisors, physical trainers, sports psychology trainers, etc.

Drivers who win the FCJ championship (or equivalent) are supported to move up to the Japan F3 Championship, SUPER GT, or racing series in Europe.

Drivers who make their mark at each successive step receive continued support for participating at higher levels of racing categories.

FTRS graduates Kohei Hirate and Kamui Kobayashi (year 2), and Kazuki Nakajima (year 3) have all compiled impressive records in Japan and internationally. Hirate returned to Japan in 2008 to drive in both Formula NIPPON and SUPER GT, which he will continue to do for the 2010 season. Kobayashi, who debuted in F1 Brazilian Grand Prix driving for Panasonic Toyota Racing, will be the regular driver for the BMW Sauber F1 team beginning with the 2010 season. Kazuki Nakajima served as the regular driver for the Williams F1 team during all of 2009. Keisuke Kunimoto was the youngest driver in history to win a SUPER GT GT300 Class race in 2008 (19 years, 4 months). He went on to victory in his first appearance at the Macau GP, and successfully moved up to the Formula NIPPON Series. Quite a number of TDP drivers will be active both in Japan and internationally this season, including Hiroaki Ishiura, Kazuya Oshima, and Takuto Iguchi, all scheduled to race in SUPER GT and Formula NIPPON. Kazuya Oshima is also planning to race in the 24 Hours Nurburgring this year.