Toyota Monza test notes 2002-09-03

After a strong double finish at last week's Belgian Grand Prix, Panasonic Toyota Racing began a four-day test session at the Autodromo di Monza today. Test drivers Stéphane Sarrazin and Ryan Briscoe were at the wheel of the TF102s as the team prepares for round 15 of the Formula 1 World Championship, the Italian Grand Prix, which takes place in Monza next weekend.

Ryan Briscoe

"In this morning's session I concentrated my efforts on acquiring data from the track, working more specifically on strategy development. There was some torrential rain in the late morning session and the track stayed wet for the remainder of the day, even if the weather got a bit better. We used the opportunity to test our launch control system in the wet conditions, which meant I was just going out on track and straight back in again for most of the afternoon. All in all though it was productive session and I am quite happy."

Stéphane Sarrazin

"Today we carried out tests on some different aerodynamic parts, including a new front wing, which we plan to use for the grand prix next week. In addition we also did Michelin tyre comparisons in varying conditions throughout the session. All day, even before the heavy rain started, the track was quite dirty and slippery, but the bad weather allowed us to carry out our tyre work in wet conditions - something we have not had the chance to do very often this year."

Stéphane continues the four-day test in Monza tomorrow when he will be joined by Allan McNish, fresh from his 9th place finish in the Belgian Grand Prix last weekend.

Ryan Briscoe
Best lap time: 1m.27.43s
31 laps completed
Chassis: TF102/04

Stéphane Sarrazin
Best lap time: 1m.28.26s
48 laps completed
Chassis: TF102/05

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