07/07/2002

British Grand Prix - Race

Panasonic Toyota Racing’s British GP ended early in Silverstone today. Allan McNish failed to make it off the starting line after a clutch problem caused his engine to stall. Team-mate Mika Salo retired on lap 16 with transmission failure.

Mika Salo - Car No. 24

Position:	DNF 15/60 laps completed
Chassis:	TF102/07

"I didn’t get such a good start and lost a position by the first corner but things seemed okay. Then the rain started and our lack of downforce really showed and we struggled with little grip. I had a small spin and at the end there was a problem with the transmission something broke in the drive train and I stopped. Very disappointing after such a good qualifying yesterday."

Allan McNish - Car No. 25

Position:	DNF 0/60 laps completed
Chassis:	TF102/08

"Basically the lights went green and there was a problem with the clutch and the engine stalled. It was not the same problem we had in Imola. We tried to get the car going back in the garage but we couldn’t and by that time we were outside of the 90% time you need to be classified so the race was over. Needless to say I am extremely disappointed not only for myself and the team but for the fans supporting me here at my home race."

Ove Andersson - President
"A weekend to forget for us but again there is plenty to learn from. I was particularly encouraged by yesterday’s qualifying but unfortunately events in the race were not so positive. Our car is clearly not as good in the wet as in the dry and we have to work on this."

Weather:	Overcast with intermittent rain showers
T-car:	TF102/06 set up for Mika Salo

Review
Salo missed Friday free practice with a stomach infection. Allan McNish was 19th. Saturday’s practice saw Allan back in 18th spot with a recovering Salo in 19th. Mika achieved his best qualifying result of the season taking 8th place. Traffic affected McNish’s best run and he had to settle for 15th.

Preview
Monza is the next stop for the Panasonic Toyota Racing team. A four-day test begins on Tuesday at the Italian track. Allan McNish will drive for the first two days with Mika Salo completing the test on Thursday and Friday.