Text - Panasonic Toyota Racing: Jerez Test Report - Toyota Deutschland Media-Website

Panasonic Toyota Racing has been busy in Jerez, Spain this week for the final test session of the 2003 Formula 1 season. Toyota Driver Academy's Ryan Briscoe was in charge of the TF103 for three days and completed a staggering 280 laps before handing over to the team's third driver Ricardo Zonta on the fourth and final day. The Brazilian continued the team's reliable running, totaling 112 laps today.

Ryan Briscoe
Chassis: TF103/03
Working on: Michelin tyre work, aerodynamic tests and general set-up.

30 September (wet track in morning, drying completely by afternoon) 1m35.049s, 38 laps completed

1 October (damp track in morning, drying completely by lunchtime) 1m22.355s, 117 laps completed

2 October (wet track in morning, drying completely by lunchtime) 1m21.297s, 125 laps completed

"A highly enjoyable three-day test, in which I was able to complete heaps of laps with no problems with the car whatsoever. The weather was very mixed throughout the week, which gave me invaluable experience in the wet and dry. We used the opportunity to work on wet weather Michelin tyre evaluation, and we also did some general aerodynamic tests and set-up work. This is my first F1 test of the year. I have been able to get a real feel for the TF103 this week and I hope to get back behind the wheel again soon."

Ricardo Zonta
Chassis: TF103/03
Working on: Set-up, tyre testing and engine evaluation for Suzuka.

3 October (dry but overcast all day)
1m19.300s, 112 laps completed

"We did a lot of work today specifically in preparation for next week's Japanese GP in Suzuka. We completed a lot of laps, working on set-up of the car, Michelin tyre testing, as well as running the new spec engine, which we will use in Suzuka. It was a very good day and I think we can be confident for next week's race."

Next Race
10 – 12 October 2003 – Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka Circuit