07/06/2002

Canadian Grand Prix - Free Practice

Round 8 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship began at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Canada today. The Panasonic Toyota Racing team arrived with no prior knowledge of the track and used free practice to work on general car set-up.

Mika Salo - Car No. 24

Position:	6th 1m16.259s 39 laps completed
Chassis:	TF102/07

"The car felt reasonable for our first day at the circuit. We still have some work to do particularly on car set-up and gear ratios but we will sit down and do our homework this afternoon in order to improve for tomorrow."

Allan McNish - Car No. 25

Position:	20th 1m18.311s 34 laps completed
Chassis:	TF102/08

"We followed our programme making some changes in between sessions which helped to improve the car. I had an oil leak in session two which meant taking off the rear of the car and the engine. It was unfortunate because it is our first time in Montreal and track time is vital."

Ange Pasquali - Team Manager
"Today was very constructive for our first time in Canada. The team worked well we learned a lot and we have a clear idea in which direction to go tomorrow. Mika's time was quite encouraging. A bit disappointing for Allan who had an oil leak but that will be fixed quickly."

Weather:	Dry and sunny for both sessions
Temperatures:	Air - Min 19°C Max 23°C Track - Min 32°C Max 37°C Average humidity 32%
T-car:	TF102/06 set up for Allan McNish