03/04/2004

Grand Prix of Bahrain - Qualifying Round-Up

Olivier Panis (Car 17 Chassis TF104/03)
Pre-Qualifying: 5th Lap Time: 1m31.001s (+1.033s)
Qualifying: 8th Lap Time: 1m31.686s (+1.547s)
Grid Position: 8th
"We started the season with some different problems but everyone has reacted
well to keep pushing and improving. Now we are making steady progress at
each race weekend to optimise everything we have. I am happy with my
qualifying lap today. We have both cars in the top ten so now we have to
continue to be strong and to push to the maximum. I believe we are on a good
strategy and we have shown reliability in the first two races so we have to
think of getting to the end of the race in the points. The whole team is
working very well together and today has been an excellent result for
everybody."

Cristiano da Matta (Car 16 Chassis TF104/02)
Pre-Qualifying: 12th Lap Time: 1m31.329s (+1.361s)
Qualifying: 9th Lap Time: 1m31.717s (+1.578s)
Grid Position: 9th
"I have been pleasantly surprised by our performance at the Bahrain circuit
and particularly by this morning's free practice results. I think our car
suits this type of smooth surface track and we have also benefited from
competitive Michelin tyres. In qualifying we tried a slightly lower fuel
lap for the first session and it appeared that the track conditions were not
as favourable compared to the morning. We topped the fuel up more for the
important second run and overall I am pleased to be starting the race from
9th. With both cars in the top ten I think we can target a points finish
tomorrow like we almost achieved in Malaysia two weeks' ago."

Mike Gascoyne - Technical Director Chassis
"Well done to both drivers and the team! It has been a highly satisfying two
days for Panasonic Toyota Racing and reward for all the hard work we have
all put in since the opening race of the season. To get both cars in the top
ten is a tremendous achievement. The cars have been reasonably competitive
throughout the whole weekend with a good balance. Considering the
reliability we have demonstrated so far this season we have to look at
getting two cars home in the points tomorrow. The Michelin tyre choice was
quick and clear for us after yesterday's free practice and the choice has
been confirmed by our performance today. We are very happy with the tyres in
terms of one-lap performance and consistency so all in all we are looking
good for tomorrow."