By Toyota F1 Media
March 6 2004
After qualifying in Australia Toyota F1's Cristiano Da Matta would finish thirteenth and Panis, after his car failed to start prior to making his econd run, will start from the back of the grid. Not agreat result for the team.
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| Australian GP Saturday Qualifying | |
Qualifying Round-Up Saturday 6 March 2004 Cristiano da Matta (Car 16, Chassis TF104/02) First Run: 17th Lap Time:
1m28.274s (+3.048s) Second Run: 13th Lap Time: 1m27.823s (+3.415s)
"I am not pleased with my lap. This
afternoon, for some reason, the car has been more disconnected than it was
in morning practice; the balance was not as good and we had less grip.
Compared to what we achieved this morning, I was expecting a much better
result. I made a small mistake in turn 14, which lost me a few tenths, but
generally the grip levels were not as good this afternoon. We need to work
very hard for the race tomorrow." "The morning practice sessions were quite
positive. From Friday, we improved the car a lot and I felt much more
confident to drive to the maximum. I think we did a reasonable job in the
first qualifying run, but we could not start the engine for my second run
due to an electronics malfunction and I was unable to get going in time." "Before Olivier's second run there was some electrical damage to the car, which meant that we were unable to fire it up properly. We then tried to start the car but the electrical damage prevented his throttle from working, so we couldn't get out in time. With Cristiano, we have been suffering from a general lack of grip and all in all it was a very disappointing qualifying after what was a highly productive morning for the team. We now have to concentrate on ensuring that we put in the strongest race performance we can." |
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