Monaco GP: Toyota race notes

Neither Panasonic Toyota Racing driver finished the demanding Monaco Grand Prix today. Allan McNish retired on lap 15. Mika Salo experienced brake problems, which are frequent at Monaco, and hit the wall just nine laps from the chequered flag.

Mika Salo

"We had an unplanned pit stop near the start after my left rear tyre lost tread, causing lots of vibration. After a change of tyres the car felt great, but I completely lost the brake pedals towards the end, causing me to crash. It was a good 100th Grand Prix weekend and I enjoyed actually racing with other drivers."

Allan McNish

"I was driving very comfortably and the car was feeling very strong. I just touched the inside barrier at Sainte Devote, which bounced the car on to the outside. It was my first time at Monaco and these things can happen. We have had a competitive weekend and we are already looking ahead to Montreal."

Ove Andersson - President

"Overall it has been a very competitive weekend for the team. Practice and qualifying produced our best ever results. We could have finished in the points today, but without the problems a lot of other teams could say the same. It was particularly encouraging to see Mika able to fight for position with a Ferrari."

Mika Salo - Car No. 24
Position: DNF, 69/78 laps completed
Chassis: TF102/04

Allan McNish - Car No. 25
Position: DNF, 15/78 laps completed
Chassis: TF102/02

Weather: Dry, sunny and warm.
Temperatures: Air - Min 21C, Max 24C
Track - Min 320C, Max 37C
Average humidity - 53%

-toyota-