By Site Staff (04/02/03)
February 4 2003

Olivier Panis today confirmed that Cristiano da Matta's stunning pace in the new TF103 was not a fluke, by finishing third fastest today at Barcelona beaten only by the two Ferrari's. The Frenchman completed 51 laps, in a session interrupted by many red flags and a technical problem of his own which stranded the Toyota at the end of the pit lane.

"It is very enjoyable for me to be back at the wheel of our new car," Olivier was quoted as saying by F1-Live.com . "Cristiano had two interesting testing days. There are still a lot to be done for my part, notably tyre testing with Michelin, tomorrow. I will try to follow up on these very positive tests. I have very happy with the TF103's handling. It is very encouraging, knowing we haven't run yet with a light fuel load so as to get a better idea of the car's true potential."

Panis concludes the test for Toyota tomorrow.

Barcelona - 04/02/2003

1. M. Schumacher - Ferrari F2002 - 1:15.465 - 85 laps
2. R. Barrichello - Ferrari F2002 - 1:15.762 - 65 laps
3. O. Panis - Toyota TF103 - 1:17.390 - 54 laps
4. N. Heidfeld - Sauber Petronas C22 - 1:17.480 - 96 laps
5. J. Trulli - Renault R23 - 1:17.560 - 53 laps
6. M. Gene - BMW-Williams FW24 - 1:17.678 - 86 laps
7. A. Pizzonia - Jaguar R4 - 1:18.063 - 40 laps
8. McNish - Renault R23 - 1:18.445 - 50 laps
9. J. Button - BAR-Honda 005 - 1:18.506 - 42 laps
10. JP Montoya - BMW-Williams FW25 - 1:18.903 - 43 laps
11. Villeneuve - BAR-Honda 005 - 1:19.001 - 38 laps