Text - Panasonic Toyota Racing: Jerez Test - Day 1 - Toyota Deutschland Media-Website

Following the opening round of the 2003 season in Melbourne, Australia last Sunday, Panasonic Toyota Racing started a four-day test this morning in the South of Spain to finalise preparations for the Malaysian Grand Prix (23/04). Three days after he participated in the first F1 race of his career, Cristiano da Matta was again at the wheel of the TF103 today at the Circuit de Jerez.

Cristiano da Matta - Car No. 21
Chassis: TF103/05
Best lap time: 1m19.65, 70 laps completed
Working on: General car set-up and tyre testing in the afternoon

"I have done many laps today and we could get the maximum out of this first day. The programme basically covered an extensive list of items and we literally worked on everything, making good progress. Our last test in Jerez had been heavily hampered by persistent bad weather, and it was good for the team to carry out productive set-up work in decent conditions this time. I thought I might be a bit tired after my trip back from Australia but I feel really well. Having had such a positive day is also very encouraging."

Weather: Sunny, slightly windy. Air temperature: 15-25¡C.
Track: Dry at all times. Track temperature: 16-34¡C.

Preview:
Cristiano will complete his second and final testing day in Jerez tomorrow before Olivier Panis takes over for the last two days of the session.

Upcoming Events
Next Race:
21 - 23 March 2003 - Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang International Circuit, Kuala Lumpur

Next Test:
26 - 28 March 2003 - Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain