05/10/2004

Grand Prix of Japan - Preview

Selected Quotes

Jarno Trulli - Race Driver Car Number 16
"It will be a big challenge for me to join Panasonic Toyota Racing for the final two races of this season in Japan and Brazil but I am more motivated than ever before. I have had four days testing over the last three weeks working mainly on making myself comfortable in the car and settling into my new team. I am particularly pleased to have the opportunity to make my race debut for Toyota at the company's home grand prix in Suzuka this weekend. We will certainly gain a useful time advantage in preparation for next year as we can iron out any potential problems before we really get down to concentrating on the 2005 season. Japan is also a very special race for me personally as I have a lot of loyal supporters who always give me a warm welcome."

Olivier Panis - Race Driver Car Number 17
"I love Suzuka. It is a very fast high-speed circuit and one of my favourites on the calendar. Our Japanese Grand Prix week already started last Sunday when we visited Tokyo for a demo run of our TF104 car at the Toyota showroom Megaweb. There was a good turnout in spite of the heavy rain so I was happy to perform some donuts and wheel spins for all the supporters who came along. I always enjoy racing in front of the Japanese Toyota fans but this year's event will also be quite emotional for me because it will be my final Formula 1 race. Although I will miss the excitement of racing I will have the chance to give a big input in Panasonic Toyota Racing's future in my new role as third driver. In that respect having Jarno on board will be very helpful in setting ourselves up for next season. He has been a good friend of mine since our time as team-mates and I know we will work very well together. All I am hoping for this weekend is to finish my racing career with some points."

Ryan Briscoe - Third Driver Car Number 38
"I am looking forward to continuing my role as third driver at Panasonic Toyota Racing in the last two races of the season. I feel that I have settled into this position comfortably and I am pleased with the job that I have done since my debut back in Hungary. Japan will undoubtedly be a very special race weekend with it being not only Toyota's home grand prix but also our 50th race weekend. I have been with Toyota since the very beginning of the F1 programme so this anniversary means a lot to me personally and I am proud that I will be an active part of it. I have never driven at the circuit before but I have heard it is an exciting track and I can't wait to try it out."

Tsutomu Tomita - Team Principal
"After three seasons in Formula 1 the Panasonic Toyota Racing team celebrates a landmark this weekend in Suzuka as it will be our 50th grand prix. I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone but over this short period we have matured in every aspect of our operations and I am confident that it will not be long before we can reduce the gap to the front-running teams. In order to prepare well for next season we are pleased to have Jarno racing for Toyota in the last two events of the season. His valuable contribution to the race and test teams will be a big advantage for 2005. Of course the Japanese Grand Prix is Toyota's home race so we will have a huge support from our dedicated fans. I hope that we can celebrate a good result with both cars in front of our home crowd. I cannot think of a more suitable way for Olivier to end his final F1 race and for Jarno to make his debut as a Toyota driver."