24/07/2004

Grand Prix of Germany - Qualifying Round-Up

Olivier Panis (Car 17 Chassis TF104/09B)
Pre-Qualifying: 6th
Lap Time: 1m13.641s (+0.250s)
Qualifying: 10th
Lap Time: 1m14.368s (+1.062s)
Grid Position: 9th
"Yesterday we ran the updated car for the first time with all the new aero parts and we struggled to find the right balance. Both free practice sessions were quite difficult for us and the team had to work hard last night to make some set-up changes. Today I felt much more confident with the TF104B and the balance of the car. Overall we had a stronger and more competitive package. We did a good job this afternoon and performed well in both qualifying sessions. After carrying out some long-runs this morning I think that the car is in good shape for tomorrow and from ninth place on the grid I am looking forward to a strong race."

Cristiano da Matta (Car 16 Chassis TF104/10B)
Pre-Qualifying: 16th
Lap Time: 1m15.119s (+1.728s)
Qualifying: 15th
Lap Time: 1m15.454s (+2.148s)
Grid Position: 15th
"I am not happy with either of my qualifying laps today. In this morning's practice we were looking quite good and had found a clear direction with the updated car but I was not able to get everything out of the car this afternoon. I was expecting to do a lap time similar to what I did in the morning - in the mid-to-high 1m14s - but on both of my runs I had difficulty entering turn two as well as some problems braking into turn 6. We have to look into this because I experienced no trouble there in practice. The TF104B has shown that it is a better car with improvements on the aerodynamics side so it is frustrating that I couldn't show its potential in qualifying. We have another 67 laps in tomorrow's race to put that right."

Mike Gascoyne - Technical Director Chassis
"A satisfying day for the team and a result that demonstrates the progress we have made with the TF104B. We have definitely made a step forward compared to the opposition. Both cars looked competitive in free practice especially over long runs. I think we have a good race pace which we haven't had in recent races. Unfortunately Cristiano was unable to repeat his lap time from the morning sessions despite being on a similar fuel load so we will have to look into what happened. It is a shame that we couldn't get both cars into the top ten in qualifying because I think the car was capable of it."

Luca Marmorini - Technical Director Engine
"Today was a successful day for us. Both Cristiano and Olivier were quick this morning and showed a strong performance. Cristiano was a bit unlucky in qualifying making a small mistake on his first lap so I do not think his position reflects his true competitiveness. Olivier did a brilliant job and I don't think he could have found any more time from the car. Everything is working well with the new specification engine and I think the drivers are enjoying the upgrade. The whole TF104B package has worked well today we just have to hope for a continuation in the race."