Tyrrell announced yesterday, that they had signed Toranosuke Takagi as the teams official test driver for 1997. Speculation had been rife at the Japanese Grand Prix, that Takagi would replace Ukyo Katayama as the 2nd driver for the 1997 season.

Tyrrell Boss, Ken Tyrrell said "I am convinced he has a great future ahead of him in Formula One. His appointment is with a view to becoming a team driver from 1998."

Also announced at the press conference in Tokyo, was the appointment of former Tyrrell driver Satoru Nakajima, as the new Sporting Director and member of the Tyrrell Board.

Takagi raced this year in Formula Nippon, finishing 4th in the championship with a Reynard-Mugen.