Toyota do better in Qualifying 2 - Panis 10th

13th for CdM
By Huw Alban (19/04/03)
April 20 2003

Toyota need to score points soon with rumours circulating that Japan is not happy with the team's performance so far this year. The team look to have worked wonders overnight and both drivers put in a strong show.

Having qualified 18th in the first session on Friday, Crisitiano da Matta was the first Toyota driver out. The UK TV commentary noted that the TF103 looked horrible riding the kirbs - considered key to a quick lap at the San Marino circuit. It was also commentated that Toyota had spent a recent test solely working on improving the cars behaviour over kirbs - but here at Imola the rumour was that the team had advised their drivers to avoid them.

Cristiano and Olivier did just that, and this site admits that both men looked stable and happy with their cars. Cristiano's time stayed at the top of the sheets until well into the session, and Olivier Panis's top 6 lap stayed right up until the last 5 cars (Ferrari, Williams, and a Jaguar) came out.

The team will line up 10th and 13th for the race tomorrow, and this site admits that the team are looking a lot stronger than they were on Friday. Perhaps even strong enough to snatch a points finish ?