16/03/2002

Malaysian Grand Prix - Qualifying Session

Mika Salo scored Panasonic Toyota Racing's first ever top ten qualifying in Sepang today. Transmission trouble forced Allan McNish to switch to the T-car on his opening lap and he ended up in 19th position.

Mika Salo - Car No. 24

Position:	10th 1m37.694s 11/12 laps completed
Chassis:	TF102/04

"I am very happy. To have our first ever top 10 qualifying is good for the team. We have a strong race car and when you start from tenth position you are actually in the race so we have a good opportunity to score more points tomorrow."

Allan McNish - Car No. 25

Position:	19th 1m38.959s 10/12 laps completed
Chassis:	TF102/05 / T-Car TF102/02

"It was not a good session today. We had a problem on the first lap which meant I had to come back to the garage for the T-car but I never really had a good feeling or set-up. Tomorrow we need to have a good clean start and keep out of trouble on the first corner and see what happens from there."

Ange Pasquali Team Manager
"We have to be pleased with this tenth place. If you compare to the qualifying we had in Melbourne it is a big step forward. Overall we are happy with the way it went especially with the way the team reacted to the problem with Allan's car and getting the T-car ready quickly."

Weather: Dry hot and humid

Weather:	Dry hot and humid
Temperatures:	Air 33°C Track 38°C
Humidity:	Humidity 58%
T-car:	Chassis TF102/02 set up for Allan McNish

Review
Friday free practice saw Mika take 5th position with Allan in 11th. Saturday morning was productive with both drivers reasonably happy with car set-up. Salo was 11th fastest in Saturday practice. McNish was 18th.