20/06/2004

Grand Prix of USA - Race Round-Up

Olivier Panis (Car 17 Chassis TF104/03)
Classification: 5th +37.5s (from race winner)
Grid: 8th
"I think it is a highly positive weekend for all the team and we can celebrate a great result. It was my 150th grand prix and I got a fantastic present of four points. I am very happy. The team gave me a consistent and competitive car and I drove a good race. We profited from all the hard work we have put in this weekend. I would also like to extend my thanks to Michelin for providing us with fabulous tyres here at Indianapolis. I pushed so hard towards the end and it was the perfect end to a strong weekend to finish just 37 seconds from the race winner. We need to keep going on in this direction because the top six is where we should be finishing every race."

Cristiano da Matta (Car 16 Chassis TF104/04 T-car TF104/07)
Classification: DNF +56 laps (from race winner)
Grid: 11th
"I got a good start but coming into turn two I was hit from behind by another car. After that I had to come into the pits but the accident also resulted in me not being able to select first gear. In the end I got stuck in gear and I had to stop. The problem with the gears was only caused by the collision and that ended my race far too early. We showed a good level of competitiveness this weekend - the positive thing we can take from this race."

Tsutomu Tomita - Team Principal
"That was a fantastic race for Olivier and a very competitive showing from the team who worked well in the race to adopt the strategy during the safety car periods. We knew we had a good package here and Olivier drove faultlessly throughout the race. Unfortunately Cristiano was hit from behind at the start and then lost first gear on his pitstop. We tried to repair the damage but he progressively lost gears and had to stop. It was very disappointing because I am sure he would have been as competitive. Overall it was highly pleasing to score a points finish but most of all it was encouraging to see our level of competitiveness over the entire weekend. I am overjoyed."