Panis & da Matta keen to show off in Malaysia

The driver team
By Huw Alban (18/03/03)
March 18 2003

The Toyota driver team of Olivier Panis and Cristiano da Matta are pumped up for this weekends Malaysian Grand Prix. Panis believes the TF103 will be strong in Sapang, da Matta wants to use what he learned in last weeks Jerez test.

Olivier Panis
"I am definitely looking forward to racing in Malaysia this weekend. We have just had a productive test in Spain and we showed in Melbourne that we have a quick car. Malaysia itself is very hot and humid, but the Sepang track is really nice, to be honest. It is very wide and there is good grip, but it is difficult for tyres because we have some high-speed chicanes and heavy braking. The race can be either a one-stop or a two-stop strategy and Michelin has a good record at this circuit. If you have a strong engine and a good balance to follow cars closely, then there are some overtaking opportunities on the two long straights."

Cristiano da Matta
"Both me and Olivier have had a busy time since Australia, flying back to Europe for two days’ of testing each in Jerez, but it was really worthwhile. We did some preparation work for this weekend’s race, which is particularly valuable, as it will be my first time driving the Sepang track. Again, the new rules do not play into my hands, and I have little time to learn the circuit before giving everything in qualifying. If we can be as competitive as we were in Australia and make the finish line, then I will be more than happy."

Quotes taken from the offiical Toyota team press release preview for the Malaysian Grand Prix.