German GP: Toyota Saturday qualifying notes

For the third time this season, Panasonic Toyota Racing has qualified both of its TF103s in the top 10. Olivier Panis will line up in seventh position for tomorrow's German Grand Prix, two places ahead of his Brazilian team-mate Cristiano da Matta, who posted the ninth quickest time. This result equals the team's best joint qualifying effort that from June's Canadian Grand Prix.

Olivier Panis:

"It is good to see that we are continuing our good form with another top ten qualifying position. I am very pleased with my lap and everyone has worked well this weekend. I think we have developed a good stability within the team, which is being reflected in these positive results. This morning, we worked very well to develop the car and to find a good balance. Cristiano also did a good job and with both of us in the top ten things are looking good for the race tomorrow."

Cristiano da Matta:

"Despite claiming another top ten grid position, I am really not happy with my qualifying lap today. The car definitely had a much better lap time in it, but I lost around half-a-second at the last corner. I was simply pushing a bit too hard and made a mistake. The car felt good and we improved the handling through free practice and again in the warm-up session, so it is frustrating not to be a bit higher up on the grid tomorrow, although we should be in reasonable shape in the race."

Keizo Takahashi - General Manager Car Design and Development:

"Another very encouraging qualifying session for Panasonic Toyota Racing and I am overjoyed that we managed to get two cars in the top ten for the third time this season. Of course our new engine specification played a part in our qualifying results, but I would like to extend our thanks to Michelin for their competitive tyres and also to Olivier and Cristiano for a job well done. Tomorrow, we expect a very hot day but we are fully prepared to push hard in the race."

Olivier Panis
Car Number 20, Chassis TF103/08
Session Classification: 7th
Lap Time: 1m16.034s, +0.867s from pole
Starting position: 11th

Cristiano da Matta
Car Number 21, Chassis TF103/04
Session Classification: 9th
Lap Time: 1m16.550s, +1.383s from pole
Starting Position: 6th

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