01/10/2004

Olivier Panis reflects on Shanghai

I have to say that I was very impressed by Shanghai. Everything was very high-tech and futuristic. If we want high tech in Formula 1 then this is it! The work the Chinese have done on the circuit is amazing and really sets new standards.

The Shanghai International Circuit is very challenging very tricky and I had a lot of fun on the first two practice days. I'm quite happy with the circuit there are chances to overtake and I think it's a real success.

There are also some good overtaking opportunities especially after Turn 13 - the long straight after the banked corner because on the banking you are able to follow the car in front very closely because loss of downforce is not so big an issue when the banking holds you on the circuit. Then down at the hairpin there was obviously some fighting. Around the rest of the track it wasn't so easy. Turn 1 looked like an opportunity on the circuit map but the entry was actually very quick.

Straightaway we saw that we had a competitive car in Shanghai. It was just like Indianapolis and that's probably because there are similarities because you need a good compromise set-up. With the aerodynamic and mechanical packages we were using we found it. The car felt very good from the start. We were quick on the straight and good in the low speed corners as well.

Having said that I was not totally happy with the set-up of my car at all times over the weekend.

In Saturday free practice I had a lot of trouble with the rear of the car. It felt very nervous with a lot of oversteer and it hurts your confidence. I had a long talk with the engineers and with Mike (Gascoyne) and we decided to change a lot of things. We changed the set-up completely - springs weight distribution ride height everything.

It was strange because I and Ricardo were using very similar set-ups. I think we have different driving styles. I reverted towards my opening day set-up and then it felt much better.

It's always a bit of a gamble but I knew as soon as I went out for pre-qualifying that the car felt much better. I had a lot more confidence and found that I could really push hard. It was a good lap and eighth place on the grid was a positive outcome for the team.

On the longer runs practice runs evaluating the tyres the car felt strong. We were quick on the straight and the Michelins were very consistent. I was expecting to score points before I had my problems on the start line when the anti-stall engaged as the revs dropped. It was so frustrating after such a good qualifying lap.

Away from the track I found Shanghai city very new and cosmopolitan. In fact I found it more of an American style. You certainly don't feel like you are in the middle of China.

Now we are fully concentrated on the Japanese grand prix in Suzuka which is Toyotas home race so especially important for the team. It will also be my final F1 race so I will do everything I can to get a good result for myself and for all the Japanese fans!

Gambarimasu
Olivier