Toyota Barcelona test notes 2003-01-16

The Panasonic Toyota Racing team ended today their first open test of the year in Spain. Olivier Panis had the most productive day of this week's session at the Circuit de Catalunya today, running 43 laps with the 2003 car, the TF103. Cristiano da Matta completed an extensive programme with the TF102B interim car, covering over 900kms throughout the three days.

Olivier Panis

"We finished this week's test on a very promising note with the new car. I feel it is competitive and it proved to be responsive to changes. We obviously have room for improvement during the next tests and have identified some good directions of work. I am very happy with the work done."

Cristiano da Matta

"I am overall very pleased with this test. Although Tuesday was a bad day for me, Wednesday was excellent and today was good as well. I managed a great deal of laps in total and we could test some components that will be used on the TF103 in the near future. I really look forward to having my first ride in the new car next week!"

Keizo Takahashi - General Manager Car Design and Development

"This was our first real test with the TF103 and we are very happy with the outcome. Olivier did a very good job and is very positive about the new car. We gathered a lot of valuable data in the aerodynamic and mechanical fields but also on the engine and electronics side. Cristiano carried out some important work on components for the new car and all in all, we have a lot in our hands to improve in the coming weeks."

Panasonic Toyota Racing now heads to the Circuit Paul Ricard in France for a three-day test from 20 to 22 January. Cristiano da Matta will drive for the first time the TF103 while Ricardo Zonta will make his debut with the team at the wheel of the TF102B.

Olivier Panis - Car No. 20
Chassis: TF103/02
Best lap time: 1m16.386, 43 laps completed
Working on: Further set-up and tyre testing

Cristiano da Matta - Car No. 21
Chassis: TF102B
Best lap time: 1m17.008, 58 laps completed
Working on: Extensive set-up and components evaluation programme, tyre testing.

-toyota-