18/08/2002

Hungarian Grand Prix - Race

Both Panasonic Toyota Racing drivers completed the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest today. It is the team's first double race finish since round 6 of the championship in Austria in May. Mika Salo crossed the line in 13th place but was later awarded a 25 second penalty for a close call in the pitlane dropping him to 15th. Allan McNish finished the race in 15th place only 1.3 seconds behind Salo and benefits one place to be officially classified 14th.

Allan McNish - Car No. 25

Position:	14th 75/77 laps completed
Chassis:	TF102/08

"I got a clean start and had de la Rosa and Mika ahead. It is notoriously difficult to overtake here and all we could do was sit in line. At my second stop I had a problem selecting gear which lost a bit of time but I was making up ground at the end. Overall there were no major technical problems other than some slight understeer and I am pleased to finish the race."

Mika Salo - Car No. 24

Position:	15th 75/77 laps completed
Chassis:	TF102/07

"The car was pretty well balanced in the race. I had a close call with de la Rosa in the pitlane which I have been penalised for. I drove a good race today and kept off some pressure towards the end so I am not happy about losing 25 seconds for what I think was normal. About 20 laps from the end my fire extinguisher in the car went off as well and sprayed foam everywhere. I couldn't really see anything after that and had to drive the last laps from memory."

Ove Andersson - President
"I am really so very happy with this result. We have not been able to have both cars complete a race for so long. I think it will be a big relief for the whole team. People have varying conceptions on what makes a success but I can definitely say that this is a success for Panasonic Toyota Racing in spite of the 25-second fine that was imposed on Mika."

Temperatures:	Air - Min 28 Max 30 Track - Min 30 Max 31 Average Humidity 30%
T-car:	TF102/06 set up for Mika Salo

Review
Mika and Allan were 15th and 18th in Friday's free practice. Mika completed 34 laps Allan 37. Mika and Allan formed the ninth row of the grid posting the 17th and 18th best times.

Preview
Belgium will host round 14 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship - the penultimate European event of the season - in two weeks' time at the circuit in Spa-Francorchamps.