V8 test for Middle Eastern champion.

Fahad Al Musalam, the champion of the Bahrain International Circuit's Lumina CSV Championship Middle East series is to test with the Garry Rogers Motorsport team in a test session at Winton Raceway next week.

GRM, which over the years has given many young hopefuls the opportunity to step up into a V8 supercar, will give Al Musalam the chance to try out its Holden Commodore on the day of testing set aside for rookies and driver evaluation, with him hitting the track in the car normally used by Lee Holdsworth.

"I have watched Fahad in action and he has shown that he can race consistently and bring the car home in one piece," team boss Garry Rogers said. "He has been asking all the right questions, and has been doing a lot of preparation for his test next week.

"Obviously our cars are very different to what Fahad has been driving, and we make no promises but with the right direction from our crew, both mechanical and technical we are looking to have a very successful day."

Michael Caruso will also be taking full advantage of the rookie day getting in some very valuable laps and track time in the # 34 car but Rogers was keen to point out that the test wasn't being used as a shootout to decide a second driver for the endurance events later in the year.

"We have not announced our second driver for the endurance rounds as yet and to make it clear, this is not what this day is about, but all going well this opportunity could open doors for both parties," he added. "We may be looking to run a car in the development series for 2009 subject to satisfactory sponsor arrangements so this is a path we may take.

"In 2001 we ran a car in this series with Leanne Ferrier (now Tander) but due to financial hurdles which were detrimental to the success of our V8 Supercar Championship series we chose to withdraw at the end of that season.

"With the sale of my Nissan Dealership last year and consolidation within my business we are looking to expand our interest in other motorsport areas at our new purpose built Dandenong South workshop.

"As our series grows, and being at the forefront of this I am sure there will be many opportunities that will arise for drivers on the local scene and also internationally, and we are looking to make this a very positive experience for all."