26/07/2002

German Grand Prix - Free Practice

The new-look Hockenheim circuit was unknown territory for Panasonic Toyota Racing before today's free practice sessions for the German Grand Prix. Allan McNish and Mika Salo completed a combined total of 90 laps of the shortened 4.574-kilometre track working on different programmes McNish ending the sessions in 9th place Salo in 18th.

Allan McNish - Car No. 25

"We had two quite positive sessions today. We made some improvements to the car each time we went out trying both types of tyre and I think Michelin has a good package here. The car seems to suit the circuit reasonably well at the moment. The changes to the track have been positive and it is one of the best new circuits I have been to."

"I managed to complete my programme today. We lost some time due to an electronics problem which we are working on. We did a good number of laps during the two sessions which was essential due to the amount of set-up work we had to concentrate on for our first visit to this circuit. Some of the new corners here are quite good and the circuit is nicer to drive than I thought it would be."

Ange Pasquali - Team Manager
"This is a completely new track for us. We did not test at the old track last year so it is our first trip to Hockenheim in any shape. We ran different programmes on both cars today and we found some interesting things on Allan's car which are encouraging for tomorrow but we still have lots to do before the qualifying session."