Olivier Panis will make a Formula One comeback of sorts in July as Toyota's third driver taking part in Friday practice at his home French Grand Prix. France has had no Formula One driver since Panis, winner of the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix for Ligier, retired at last season's race in Japan. "Olivier was not eligible to drive the third car with the regulations as they were at the start of the 2005 season," said Toyota motorsport president John Howett. "Now this rule has been relaxed, we felt it would be a good opportunity to ask Olivier to drive the third car for the French Grand Prix. "Olivier's reputation as a quick, technically-minded driver is well documented and he has contributed greatly to the success that we have enjoyed this season." Toyota are second in the championship with 40 points to Renault's 58. At the start of the season, teams could only use third drivers who had competed in no more than six races over the previous two years. --More 2242 Local Time 1942 GMT
