Text - Panasonic Toyota Racing: Valencia Test Round-Up

Dates: 18 – 20 February 2004
Location: Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Spain
Drivers: Ricardo Zonta (18-20), Cristiano da Matta (18-19), Ryan Briscoe (20) Track Length: 4.000 km

Cristiano da Matta
Total laps: 90
Best lap time: 1m10.52s
Chassis: TF104/01
"It has been a rather mixed session for me. We had quite an extensive technical programme covering set-up work, reliability checks and tyre testing but we encountered all sorts of small problems in different areas of the car throughout the two days I was driving. So far the reliability of the TF104 had been perfect, and these things happen, but it is a bit frustrating. Imola will be our last test before flying to Australia and for sure we will all be 100% focused to finalise preparations for the first race."

Ricardo Zonta
Total laps: 260
Best lap time: 1m.10.110s
Chassis: 103/08 (18-19) - TF104/01 (20)
"We had two good and productive days, constantly improving in many areas. I must say that I like being kept so busy completing a lot of laps. We worked on the various control systems of the car and made some solid progress with electronics. Looking ahead to Melbourne, we also managed some good tyre testing. Today, I switched to the TF104 but we could not get much done on such a wet track. In that respect, I am glad I had the chance to get a proper feel for the new car last week in Paul Ricard."

Ryan Briscoe
Total laps: 5
Best lap time: 1m41.940s
Chassis: TF103/08
"I took the wheel of the TF103 car this morning and, seeing the track conditions, we decided to go for some small tyre test and set-up work. But in the end the track was so wet that I only did two proper laps. It never improved through the day and I am glad I will be testing again in Imola next week on Thursday hopefully under more friendly skies."