Toyota Valencia test notes 2003-01-29

Testing continued for the Panasonic Toyota Racing team at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia today. Frenchman Olivier Panis concentrated on an in-depth mechanical parts evaluation programme, while his Brazilian team-mate Cristiano da Matta improved his car set-up lapping the Spanish track a total of 78 times.

Olivier Panis

"Our programme today was focused on comparing new components that need a bit of time to change, which explains why I did not complete so many laps. We did some good work and we have to carry on tomorrow to complete our evaluation. Strong gusts of wind made our life more difficult, changing track conditions quite a lot during the day, but generally things went quite well."

Cristiano da Matta

"It was a good and productive day for me. I am very happy with the way things went for what is only my second full day of testing in the TF103. I already feel much better in the car than I did yesterday and I got quickly acquainted with the track. It is encouraging for me to see how quickly I can adapt to a new F1 circuit as this will be the case at quite a few tracks this season."

The Panasonic Toyota Racing team will complete the last of its three-day test at the Valencia track tomorrow with Olivier Panis and Cristiano da Matta again driving the TF103s.

Olivier Panis - Car No. 20
Chassis: TF103/03
Best lap time: 1m12.37, 47 laps completed
Working on: Further set-up work and testing of new mechanical components

Cristiano da Matta - Car No. 21
Chassis: TF103/02
Best lap time: 1m13.100s, 78 laps completed
Working on: Set-up and tyre evaluation

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