Toyota F1 to promote <i>The Dark Knight</i>, Batmobile to lap Silverstone

Remember the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix? How about a refresher – Fernando Alonso took the checkered flag, but all eyes on the podium weren't focused on the Spanish champion...they were on David Coulthard, who stood on the third step of the podium in a red cape. (Yeah, seriously.) The scarlet accessory was part of a commercial agreement that saw Red Bull Racing promoting Superman Returns. Few expected DC to score that podium finish (it was the first for the new team) but there he stood.This year, it appears that the Justice League has switched allegiance, as Toyota has announced a similar arrangement to promote the upcoming Batman movie The Dark Knight. No word yet on whether Jarno Trulli (who took third in last week's French Grand Prix) and Timo Glock (last year's GP2 champion) will have to wear black capes if they make it onto the podium, but their racing suits are tipped to feature a Batman theme, as will the cars themselves. But that's not all: during this coming weekend's British Grand Prix, the new Batmobile and Bat-Pod will be on display at Silverstone, and the Batmobile is reportedly scheduled to hit the track this Thursday evening for a run around the circuit alongside the Toyota TF108. We smell a gallery coming up – stay tuned, and villains beware. Press release after the jump.
PRESS RELEASEPanasonic Toyota Racing joins forces with The Dark Knight at Silverstone

Thanks to a partnership between Panasonic Toyota Racing and Warner Bros. Pictures, Hollywood is coming to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix weekend to celebrate the release of the event movie of the summer: The Dark Knight.The much-anticipated film, which releases in cinemas across the UK on 25 July, is the follow up to the 2005 action hit Batman Begins. The Dark Knight reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who again portrays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman.To mark the release of The Dark Knight, Panasonic Toyota Racing will adopt a new look at Silverstone this weekend. The Dark Knight artwork will feature on the TF108s and the overalls of Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock, as well as the team's motor home.But The Dark Knight theme does not stop there. On show at Silverstone will be the iconic Batmobile and Bat-Pod vehicles, while some very special media events will bring the excitement of The Dark Knight to life.The Batmobile will even take to the Silverstone track on Thursday evening for a demonstration run alongside the TF108, followed by some unique photo opportunities with the Bat-Pod and Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock.




[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
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