28/08/2002

Olivier Panis to join Panasonic Toyota Racing in 2003

Panasonic Toyota Racing announced today that French driver Olivier Panis has signed a two-year-contract to be one of the team's race drivers from the 2003 season.

Panasonic Toyota Racing and Mika Salo have come to a mutual agreement to cease their collaboration from the end of the 2002 season. Allan McNish's contract will expire at the end of this season.

"We would like to thank Mika and Allan for their hard-work during the last two years which has been integral in building the team up to its current level " commented Panasonic Toyota Racing President Ove Andersson. "This decision was not an easy one for the team and for Toyota Motor Corporation and in no way reflects on their clear racing ability. Both Mika and Allan will complete the remaining four Grands Prix of this season with Panasonic Toyota Racing with the same professionalism and dedication they have demonstrated so far."

The team will announce who is to partner Olivier Panis in 2003 at a later date.