Panasonic Toyota F-1 Car Coming From Germany to Attend Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races Presented by Toyota
Unparalleled Opportunity for Up-Close Look at F-1 Race Car
TORRANCE, Calif., July 17 -- Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. and Panasonic Toyota Racing are bringing the TF106 Panasonic Toyota Formula 1 (F1) car from its headquarters in Cologne, Germany to participate in the 33rd Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races Presented by Toyota on August 18 - 20, 2006. The F1 car, piloted by Panasonic Toyota Racing Team driver, Brazilian Ricardo Zonta, will hit the track on Friday to make final set-up adjustments and then demonstration runs will take place on Saturday and Sunday as part of an F1 car showcase that displays the evolution of early F1 cars to present. Between demonstration laps, the car will be available for spectator viewing in the garage area.
"In bringing the F1 car to Monterey, Toyota wants to provide an unusual and exciting opportunity for race participants and spectators to view an F1 car up close on the track and in the garage," said Jim Farley, Toyota vice president of marketing. "Other than the recent United States Grand Prix in Indianapolis, this is the only appearance the F1 car will make in the U.S. and the only time it will be easily accessible for viewing by spectators."
The term "F1" refers to the Formula One World Championship, the pinnacle of formula series racing governed by the International Automobile Federation. The F1 World Championship is a major world sporting event that travels to 16 countries, running a total of 18 grand prix races, is televised in 200 countries, and viewed by a cumulative 2 billion viewers over the course of the year.
"The Panasonic Toyota Racing Team is excited and honoured to share our F1 car with everyone at the Monterey Historic event," said Team President John Howett. "With only one race in the U.S. it is difficult for fans to experience F1 and to get an idea of the technology behind it. Ricardo and the crew are looking forward to being part of the demonstration runs, showcasing the evolution of Formula 1 car construction, and giving fans the opportunity to encounter F1 live and up-close in the garage."
The Panasonic Toyota TF106 car and crew will be at Laguna Seca Raceway in Salinas, Calif., Friday through Sunday. During the weekend, in addition to demonstration runs on the track and public viewing of the car in the garage area, Zonta will sign autographs for event attendees on Saturday.
Toyota's United States motorsports history spans nearly 40 years starting in 1967 when Toyota joined forces with Carroll Shelby to develop a race-modified Toyota 2000 GT for campaigning in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) C-Production class. Toyota made its Formula 1 debut in 2002 and enjoyed its best season ever in 2005 with five front row starts -- including pole at the U.S. Grand Prix -- and five podium finishes. The Panasonic Toyota Racing Web site is www.toyota-f1.com.
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion in the United States, marketing products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers in 49 states. Established in 1957, TMS and its subsidiaries also are involved in distribution logistics, motorsports, and research and development. The company's main Web site is www.toyota.com.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: To schedule media interviews with Ricardo Zonta, any member of the Panasonic Toyota Racing Team or with Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. executives attending the event, contact Jan Fambro, (310) 826-2962 or jan@rwb-llc.com. Hi-res images of the TF106 are also available through Fambro. All media attending the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races Presented by Toyota must be credentialed. Media credentials are available through http://www.sportssystems.com/LagunaSeca/. Credential applications must be received by August 8, 2006.