Olivier Panis closes Barcelona test for Toyota

Sad but happy
By Huw Alban (31/03/03)
March 31 2003

Toyota wrapped up their test at Barcelona last week with a two day run from Olivier Panis. Olivier managed a huge 166 laps over the two days, despite the final day being a complete wash out due to the weather.

The Frenchman took over the test seat from Cristiano da Matta on Thursday, and started the day in a disappointed frame of mind. Panis's mood improved when he learned that the team had identified their fuel pressure problem and were close to a solution and the day closed far more positively for him.

"After the disappointment and frustration I felt after retiring from the Malaysian Grand Prix," Panis said at the end of the day. "I am so happy that the team has made big progress in finding the cause of the fuel pressure problem we had in Melbourne and Sepang. We are now very close to coming up with a solution to this problem and that gives me renewed confidence for next weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix. We completed a huge number of laps today working not only towards Brazil, but also for the Spanish Grand Prix in May. Tomorrow is the last day of this test, so I hope we continue in this positive direction."

The cloud that appeared towards the end of Thursday materialised into rain for Friday, but this didn't stop the team from putting in some valuable wet tyre testing mileage. The weather improved in the afternoon allowing Toyota to start their preparations for the next race in Brazil.

"We had a lot of rain this morning but we were still able to make use of this to test wet weather Michelin tyres and it was very productive." exclaimed a more boyant Olivier. "Once the track dried up in the afternoon we managed many more kilometres, and generally over the last two days, we have completed a lot of laps and learned a lot for next week's Brazilian race. I want to say thanks to the test team and the guys in Cologne for the job they have done this week and I hope we can have a rewarding weekend in Interlagos."

Toyota return to the test track at Paul Ricard on the 8th of April for a 4 day run using their entire driver team.