Toyota Silverstone/Monza test notes 2003-06-04

Panasonic Toyota Racing continued its dual three-day test at Silverstone and Monza today with race drivers Cristiano da Matta and Olivier Panis both completing substantial mileage during the day. Panis conducted the Italian leg of the session and totalled 91 laps, whilst testing a new engine specification that the team plans to use at next week's Canadian Grand Prix. Da Matta carried out general set-up work and tyre testing in Silverstone and clocked the fastest time of the day over his 75 laps.

Cristiano da Matta: (Silverstone)

"We had another decent day of running and got through most of the long job list we had today, despite rain in the morning and early afternoon. We made some good improvements to the TF103's set-up overnight and did a bit of tyre testing. Overall it has been a highly productive two days for me in Silverstone with over 150 laps completed. I am handing the car over to Ricardo for the final day tomorrow, as I am going to Belo Horizonte before the Canadian Grand Prix to acclimatise myself to the time difference in Montreal, which is the same as in Brazil."

Olivier Panis: (Monza)

"It was a good day and we managed 91 laps, which is very encouraging. We tested the new engine specification that we plan to use in Canada and things are looking quite promising. We also worked on many other things, including some small tyre tests, and we have learned some interesting things. I hope we can continue in this positive direction tomorrow. I have heard some rumours that I have been disappointed with the team, and I want to say that this is absolutely not true. We have had some misfortune so far this season, but together as a team, we will never give up until we succeed."

As Cristiano da Matta flies off to Brazil this evening for a long weekend at home, compatriot Ricardo Zonta takes over testing duties for the final day at Silverstone tomorrow. Olivier Panis will take to the Monza track again tomorrow to conclude the three-day Italian test for the team.

Cristiano da Matta
Chassis: TF103/03
Best lap time: 1m22.397s, 75 laps completed
Working on: General set-up work and specific set-up work for July's British Grand Prix, Michelin tyre testing.

Olivier Panis
Chassis: TF103/06
Best lap time: 1m23.570s, 91 laps completed
Working on: Testing new engine specification for Canada, some tyre tests

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