Text - Panasonic Toyota Racing: Paul Ricard Test Report 06-09 May 2003

The Panasonic Toyota Racing team completed its four-day test at the Circuit Paul Ricard in France today. All three drivers Cristiano da Matta, Olivier Panis and Ricardo Zonta assumed driving duties and managed to compile an impressive total of over 2200 kilometres. The technical programme mainly revolved around preparations for the Austrian Grand Prix and tyre testing for team partner Michelin.

Cristiano da Matta
Chassis: TF103/03 on day1 and 2
Laps completed: 150 laps, in excess of 250 kilometers

"We did a very good job in two days and went through set-up and tyre evaluations ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. We paid particular attention to the car's stability and brake performance, as both are very important on the A1-Ring track. After having scored our first points of the season last weekend in Spain, I was happy to be back at work this week and to feel that everybody is looking up at the next races with renewed confidence."

Olivier Panis
Chassis: TF103/03 on day 3 and 4
Laps completed: 204 laps - in excess of 840 kilometers
"I took over Cristiano on Thursday morning and had two good days as well. Today was particularly productive for us and for Michelin. Managing to compile 145 laps in one day is great, especially as I feel it comes from a real progress of our package. The team achieved extremely good work, and swiftly fixed the few mechanical problems we had. This allowed us to confirm all information gathered this week by completing all the long runs we had on schedule. I am really happy and boosted for next weekend."

Ricardo Zonta
Chassis: TF102B on day 1, TF103/06 on day 2, 3 and 4
Laps completed: 431 laps - in excess of 1200 kilometers (178 with 102B)

"I opened this week's session driving the TF102B car. We covered an extensive suspension measurements programme, which we continued and compared with the TF103 on Wednesday. We dedicated the last two days to tyre evaluations and set-up work for the Monaco Grand Prix and to car balance improvements. I, and we, learnt a lot about the way the car reacts to different conditions and set-up changes. It was highly enjoyable to drive all four days and to complete so much valuable work."

Weather: Sunny and hot all week but Wednesday (overcast and misty). Track conditions: Dry at all times. Track configuration: Option 12B-4.157km

Upcoming events
Next race
16-18 May 2003, Austrian Grand Prix, Spielberg
Next test
20-23 May 200,3 Circuit Paul Ricard, France