Top ten grid position for Da Matta

Qualifying Round-Up Saturday 6 March 2004

Cristiano da Matta (Car 16, Chassis TF104/02)
First Run: 16th Lap Time: 1m35.684s (+2.491s).
Second Run: 10th
Lap Time: 1m34.917s (+1.843s)

"I had a lot of understeer on my first run and after all the spins I have had this weekend, I was not 100% confident with the car. We made some changes in the short break and the car was much improved for the second lap and I was able to push more. I am very happy to have scored a top ten grid result - the progress we have made since Melbourne is quite encouraging, and with a bit of luck, maybe we can pick up a point or two in the race tomorrow."

Olivier Panis (Car 17, Chassis TF104/03)
First Run: 14th Lap Time: 1m35.247s (+2.054s)

Second Run: 14th
Lap Time: 1m35.617s (+2.543s)

"I am very disappointed with my lap time this afternoon. In the morning, the car balance and handling was good, so I am not really sure why the behaviour of the car changed so dramatically for the qualifying session. Now, we will look into the cause of the problem by cross-checking the data with the other car. I am pleased for Cristiano and congratulate him on his lap. We have worked hard this weekend, so I am still hopeful for the race."

Mike Gascoyne - Technical Director Chassis:

"Unfortunately, a disappointing qualifying for Olivier today. We made some balance changes to his car after the first qualifying run, but he then suffered from a lot of oversteer, which meant that he couldn't get the most out of the car on his second lap. Well done to Cristiano! He has had a difficult two days, however he drove an excellent lap to qualify in the top ten. Overall, it is pleasing to have closed the gap to the cars in front of us by quite a lot and we now have to look to get both TF104s to the chequered flag in tomorrow's race and hope to get some points."