Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. and Panasonic Toyota Racing are taking the 2006 TF106 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.

The F1 car, which will be driven by 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 at 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 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.