Text - Panasonic Toyota Racing: Barcelona Test - Day 1

The Panasonic Toyota Racing team today began another four-day test at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, just two days after having tested three days at the Valencia track (28-30/01). Cristiano da Matta was on duty at the wheel of the TF103, and set a best time of 1m17.182 over 57 laps of the 4,73 km track.

Cristiano da Matta - Car No. 21
Chassis: TF103/03
Best lap time: 1m17.182s, 57 laps completed
Working on: Mechanical and aerodynamic set-up work

"It is my third test at the Barcelona circuit with the team, but actually my first here at the wheel of the TF103. After this first day, I can already say that I am happy with the way the car behaves on this track. I feel it well balanced, even more than on the Valencia circuit in the last days. We managed quite many laps and almost went through our task list for today, despite a few breaks. It is a good opening to our four-day test here since we have an extensive technical programme to cover."

Weather: Dry and sunny. Air temperature 05 - 16¡C.
Track: Dry all day. Track temperature 04 - 20¡C.

Preview
Cristiano da Matta will continue at the Barcelona track tomorrow before French team mate Olivier Panis takes over on Wednesday for the second half of the session.

Upcoming test sessions
11-13 February 2003, Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France 25-26 February 2003, Circuito de Jerez, Spain 25-27 February 2003, Autodromo Enzo & Dino Ferrari, Imola, San Marino

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