02/03/2002

Australia Grand Prix - Qualifying Session

Rain affected Panasonic Toyota Racing's first ever qualifying session in Melbourne today. Mika Salo and Allan McNish managed only one flying lap in dry conditions and will line up 14th and 16th for tomorrow's race.

Mika Salo

Position:	14th 1m29.205s 5/12 laps completed
Chassis:	TF102/04

"Well I just got one run done and that was a very careful lap just to qualify for the race. As I was just going out for the second run it started raining and that was that. I think if the weather had stayed dry we could have done a bit better but I'm looking forward to the race."

Allan McNish

Position:	16th 1m29.636s 5/12 laps completed
Chassis:	TF102/05

"The weather dictated a lot today in qualifying. I wanted to get a lap in at the beginning of the session and we got a good base. Unfortunately it began to rain so we were limited to that one run but I think overall the team should be happy for our first venture into Formula 1."

Ove Andersson President
"I think we have done a respectable job for our first ever qualifying. The session was cut short due to the rain something we have to live with but 14th and 16th on the grid is pretty good going I think. Our objective was to qualify within the 107% time and we achieved our aim without any problem."

Weather:

Dry for first 20 minutes persistent rain thereafter. Temperatures Air 17°C Track 17°C Humidity 74%

Review
Both Friday and Saturday free practice sessions were also affected by bad weather conditions. Mika ended the two Friday sessions in 6th position with Allan in 16th. The pre-qualifying practice saw similar times from the two drivers with Allan in 15th and Mika in 18th position.