Text - Panasonic Toyota Racing: Paul Ricard Test Report

The Panasonic Toyota Racing team completed a four-day test at the Circuit Paul Ricard in the South of France today. Race drivers Olivier Panis and Cristiano da Matta, as well as test driver Ricardo Zonta, were at work this week in preparation for the first European race of the season, which will take place in Imola, San Marino, on 20 April.

Olivier Panis
Chassis: TF103/03 on day1 and 2, TF103/06 on day 3
Laps completed: 100 laps (3.853km track)

"It has been quite a frustrating test for me. Adverse weather conditions added to a couple of problems prevented us from completing my part of preparations for the next race. It's disappointing for me and for the team that has done such a big job since the start of the season. Now I look forward to Imola to push for a reversal of fortune for us."

Cristiano da Matta
Chassis: TF103/03 on day 3 and 4
Laps completed: 161 laps (3.853km track) - in excess of 600km

"We had a good productive two-day test. Yesterday I was focusing on tyre evaluation while today we concentrated on set-up, evaluating different suspension and aerodynamic options for Imola and beyond. Although it rained at both ends of my two days, I am very happy that we completed our scheduled programme."

Ricardo Zonta
Chassis: TF103/06 on day 1 and 2, TF103/06 on day4
Laps completed: 214 laps (3.853km track) - in excess of 800 km

"I could really make the most of the track time this week: we tested various set-up options and went through a long list of items. It was good to work alongside Olivier and Cristiano. I have not driven the TF103 since February in Barcelona, and I could feel that some significant progress has already been made over the last two months."

Weather: Mostly overcast and unstable, with some heavy rain.
Track: From very damp to completely dry

Upcoming events
Next race
18-20 April 2003, San Marino Grand Prix, Imola
Next test:
22-26 April 2003, Autodromo del Mugello, Italy

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