Hungarian GP: Toyota race notes

Both Panasonic Toyota Racing drivers completed the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest today. It is the team's first double race finish since round 6 of the championship in Austria in May. Mika Salo crossed the line in 13th place but was later awarded a 25 second penalty for a close call in the pitlane dropping him to 15th. Allan McNish finished the race in 15th place only 1.3 seconds behind Salo and benefits one place to be officially classified 14th.

Allan McNish

"I got a clean start and had de la Rosa and Mika ahead. It is notoriously difficult to overtake here and all we could do was sit in line. At my second stop I had a problem selecting gear which lost a bit of time, but I was making up ground at the end. Overall there were no major technical problems, other than some slight understeer and I am pleased to finish the race."

Mika Salo

"The car was pretty well balanced in the race. I had a close call with de la Rosa in the pitlane, which I have been penalised for. I drove a good race today and kept off some pressure towards the end, so I am not happy about losing 25 seconds for what I think was normal. About 20 laps from the end my fire extinguisher in the car went off as well and sprayed foam everywhere. I couldn't really see anything after that and had to drive the last laps from memory."

Ove Andersson - President

"I am really so very happy with this result. We have not been able to have both cars complete a race for so long. I think it will be a big relief for the whole team. People have varying conceptions on what makes a success, but I can definitely say that this is a success for Panasonic Toyota Racing in spite of the 25-second fine that was imposed on Mika."

Allan McNish - Car No. 25
Position: 14th
75/77 laps completed
Chassis: TF102/08
T-Car: TF102/06

Mika Salo - Car No. 24
Position: 15th
75/77 laps completed
Chassis: TF102/07

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