New Panasonic Toyota Racing driver Timo Glock prepared for this weekend's Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in an unusual manner, swapping his Formula 1 car for a TRD Rally Team Corolla.

The young German driver drove the S2000-spec Corolla of three-time Australian rally champion Neal Bates at a rally circuit in Werribee south-west of Melbourne, quickly getting on the pace.

Glock, who is entering his first full season of Formula 1, enjoyed driving the Corolla so much he returned for a longer run later in the day despite temperatures above 35 Celsius.

"Mega," he exclaimed after his first drive of the Corolla. "Bloody hot, but amazing!

"The Corolla has so much grip, it was unbelievable to drive. It was really good fun, easy to control, you can put the car where you want anytime.

"I just can't get over the grip. I must say I don't know a lot about rallying, but after only two corners I felt comfortable. That says a lot about how good the car is."

Bates was impressed with the reigning GP2 champion's efforts - even if it proved hard for him to relinquish the driving seat of his car.

"Timo did an amazing job for someone who has never really driven a rally car," Bates said.

"It was dusty, hot and quite slippery, but he adapted really well.

"He found the limit really quickly and had a lot of fun. Now I think to repay the favour he should let me drive his car," Bates joked

Glock has enjoyed a solid start to his time with Toyota, testing extensively during the pre-season where he even topped the timesheets shortly after the debut of the team's new challenger, the TF108.

Bates' team-mate and reigning Australian Rally Champion Simon Evans, along with wife and co-driver Sue, took part in Melbourne's Moomba festivities, racing a bath tub on the Yarra River for children's charity Berry St.

The pair enjoyed being part of the festivities in their home town, and despite Sue's best efforts, Simon sunk the bathtub.

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