25/04/2003

Mugello Test 22-25 March 2003 - Day 4

Panasonic Toyota Racing successfully concluded today its four-day test at the Autodromo del Mugello where Olivier Panis Cristiano da Matta and Ricardo Zonta shared driving duties to complete the team's extensive preparation programme for the next Grand Prix in Barcelona. Cristiano had a last productive day managing 64 laps of the 5.245km track with a best time of 1m23.26.

Cristiano da Matta - Car No. 21
Chassis: TF103/03
Best lap time: 1m23.26 64 laps completed
Working on: mechanical set-up and validation of aerodynamic packages

"I am very pleased with what we achieved on our final day here at Mugello. We spent some time this morning doing baseline runs and continuing to improve the car's set-up and balance for Barcelona. This afternoon we managed some longer runs which allowed us to check the Michelin tyres consistency and degradation further. And we could also validate different aerodynamic elements which gave some satisfying results. All in all despite the ups and downs we had yesterday I am really happy that we have been able to finish on a positive and encouraging note. We managed to go through our programme for the Spanish Grand Prix and the Circuit de Catalunya being the second track I have previous knowledge of after Imola I am hopeful to put in a strong performance there next week."

Weather: Overcast in the morning then sunny and warm. Air temperature: 14-24C.
Track: Dry at all times. Track temperature: 16-33C.

Preview:
Ricardo Zonta will drive the TF103/01 at the Vairano track tomorrow for the second and last day to conclude the team's aerodynamic validations
programme. Next destination for Panasonic Toyota Racing is Barcelona where round 5 of the 2003 season will kick off on Friday 4 May with free practice at 11:00am.

Upcoming Events
Next Test
06-09 May Circuit Paul Ricard France (Panis 2 days da Matta last 2 Zonta 3 days)

Next Race
02-04 May 2003 Spanish Grand Prix Barcelona