21/07/2002

French Grand Prix - Race

The French GP proved to be as tough as expected today with only 11 cars classified out of the 19 that started. Neither TF102 was able to complete the 72-lap race after Panasonic Toyota Racing experienced its first engine failures in a Grand Prix.

Allan McNish - Car No. 25

Position:	11th 65/72 laps completed
Chassis:	TF102/08

"Today's race was generally okay. However we struggled continuously with lack of grip. I had a problem on my first pit-stop when the left front wheel would not go on. I suffered with quite a lot understeer on my second set of tyres. The third set was better and I was making up ground when my car had an engine failure. It is really unfortunate as I was up to 9th at that time. I am sorry that the oil my engine left on the track caused Kimi Raikkonen to miss out on what would have been his first F1 victory but at the same time I am pleased for Michael getting his 5th title."

Mika Salo - Car No. 24

Position:	DNF 48/72 laps completed
Chassis:	TF102/07

"I had quite a good start and I was up to 11th by the end of the second lap. I realised early in the race that the engine was losing power and was not running really clear. Unfortunately I had to retire because the engine blew up for a reason we now need to identify. I am disappointed but it is our very first engine failure in a race and I am confident that this is a one-off."

Ove Andersson - President
"The engines have always been our strong point so it is an unfortunate way to finish our first race weekend in France. We'll go back to Cologne now to do some intensive investigating before the German Grand Prix next week. Overall it has been a tough weekend but nothing less than we expected at this track."

Weather:	Hot and sunny with some light cloud
T-car:	TF102/06 set up for Mika Salo

Review
Mika and Allan ended the Friday practice in 7th and 11th respectively working on optimising car set-up for the weekend. Both drivers suffered from a lack of grip and traction in qualifying and came 16th (Salo) and 17th (McNish).

Preview
The team's motorhomes and trucks will drive to Germany tomorrow to prepare for the German Grand Prix - round 12 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.