Toyota wants to be just behind the top 3

Panis hungry
By Site Staff
January 9 2003

According to a quote released by Ananova.com, Frenchman Olivier Panis is keen to see out his 2 year contract with Toyota and not be ditched after just one season. Panis joins Toyota after a lengthy spell at BAR where he frequently outshone Jacques Villeneuve.

"I am not worried. The contract I have signed is very, very clear," Panis has been quoted as saying by Ananova.

"I need Toyota to further my career but they need me to develop the car. We just need Toyota now to give us a very good car and we will look to improve it.

"Sometimes I have had good opportunities, sometimes I have had bad experiences, but from a career point of view, this two-year Toyota contract is really good for me."

Panis's moment of glory came when he unexpectedly won the Monaco Grand Prix for Ligier in 1996. The Frenchman has faith that Toyota can also win races, and wants to acheive this for the team within his time there.

"I am sure that Toyota will win one day. I hope it will be early on but, realistically, it won't be this year, I mustn't be stupid. But I know that we can make a step forward and close the gap with the others.

"It's difficult to say how we will we do before we test the car. The numbers on paper look like a big difference from last year but I need to see the lap times.

"We want to be behind the top-three teams. We don't have the car to fight for victory this year but we need to fight with Renault and Sauber. That is the target.

"I really want to be in front of BAR but I am sure I will have a big fight in some races with Jacques (Villeneuve)."