06/03/2004

Grand Prix of Australia - Qualifying Round-Up

Cristiano da Matta (Car 16 Chassis TF104/02)
First Run: 17th Lap Time: 1m28.274s (+3.048s)
Second Run: 13th Lap Time: 1m27.823s (+3.415s)

"I am not pleased with my lap. This afternoon for some reason the car has been more disconnected than it was in morning practice; the balance was not as good and we had less grip. Compared to what we achieved this morning I was expecting a much better result. I made a small mistake in turn 14 which lost me a few tenths but generally the grip levels were not as good this afternoon. We need to work very hard for the race tomorrow."

Olivier Panis (Car 17 Chassis TF104/03)
First Run: 13th Lap Time: 1m27.253s (+2.027s)
Second Run: 18th No Lap Time Recorded

"The morning practice sessions were quite positive. From Friday we improved the car a lot and I felt much more confident to drive to the maximum. I think we did a reasonable job in the first qualifying run but we could not start the engine for my second run due to an electronics malfunction and I was unable to get going in time."

Mike Gascoyne - Technical Director Chassis
"Before Olivier's second run there was some electrical damage to the car which meant that we were unable to fire it up properly. We then tried to start the car but the electrical damage prevented his throttle from working so we couldn't get out in time. With Cristiano we have been suffering from a general lack of grip and all in all it was a very disappointing qualifying after what was a highly productive morning for the team. We now have to concentrate on ensuring that we put in the strongest race performance we can."