Toyota start their pre-Monaco test programme

Panis on duty
By Huw Alban (21/05/03)
May 21 2003

In their post Austria newsletter Toyota indicated that they would be working hard on car setup during this weeks test at Paul Ricard. Fuel load may also be the subject of some scrutinee, as qualifying position is crucial in the tight Monaco circuit.

The weather conditions at Paul Ricard yesterday were reported as windy for the openning day of the test. Four teams were present, including Toyota, all keen to make the most of the winding nature of this circuit. Juan Pablo Montoya claimed the quickest time of the day with Olivier Panis, the sole representative for Toyota, only managing 4th fastest out of the six drivers present.

Testing continues today (Wednesday).

Times from Paul Ricard (20/05/03):

1 Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW 1:12.089 89 laps
2 Marc Gene Williams-BMW 1:12.673 97 laps
3 Alexander Wurz McLaren-Mercedes 1:13.135 78 laps
4 Olivier Panis Toyota 1:13.724 67 laps
5 Pedro de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes 1:13.876 96 laps