23/05/2002

Monaco Grand Prix - Free Practice

Panasonic Toyota Racing made a sensational debut at Monaco today with both drivers making the top 5 at the end of the two free practice sessions. Allan McNish ended up 2nd fastest with Mika Salo in 5th.

Allan McNish - Car No. 25

Position:	2nd 1m19.361s 49 laps completed
Chassis:	TF102/02

"The car actually suits the circuit a lot better than I had expected it would. I have only ever driven Monaco in a Lexus before now and I think we did a good job today. I am getting more and more used to Formula 1 and setting up the car comes more naturally."

Mika Salo - Car No. 24

Position:	5th 1m19.815s 38 laps completed
Chassis:	TF102/04

"It was a relatively good session. We learned a lot from the three-day test at Paul Ricard last week but there is a bit to improve in the balance of my car. Still I am suffering from a lot of understeer which I hope we can cure before Saturday's qualifying."

Keizo Takahashi - Technical Co-ordinator
"It was a very good first day for our first time at Monaco. It is a totally different Grand Prix circuit being a street track and Allan did a very good job for his debut here. The preparation work we did at Paul Ricard last week seems to be paying off and we now have a good feeling ahead of qualifying."

Weather:	Some light drizzle but generally dry and overcast
Temperatures:	Air - Min 19°C Max 20°C Track - Min 14°C Max 22°C Average humidity 74%
T-car:	Both Mika and Allan have a spare car this weekend