By Site Publisher (27/02/03)
February 27 2003

Toyota split their testing efforts this week between Imola and Jerez, with the former giving Cristiano da Matta a valuable chance to learn another Grand Prix circuit. Throughout the three days at Imola the team concentrated their work on the interim TF102B chassis. For the first two days, Cristiano da Matta put in the miles with test driver Ricardo Zonta completing the final day. Day one was spent getting used to the circuit, and over 43 laps da Matta grew to like the circuit. His time was interrupted by some minor car niggles, and he looked forward to a second day at the Italian track.

"I am happy to visit Imola before the actual San Marino Grand Prix in April," da Matta said to Toyota-F1.com . "Since it is one of the circuits I never drove before, and I really like driving it. The team did its best to give me as many pre-season testing opportunities as possible and when I get to Melbourne next week I will know 9 of the 16 FIA F1 world championship tracks. As for today, we had a very good morning session but a series of small problems in the afternoon. We now hope for a good day tomorrow."

Day two was used to gather more data on car setup, analyse the TF102B's kirb riding behaviour, and complete some further tyre testing for Michelin. The team used the day as a preparation run for the San Marino Grand Prix in April, and da Matta is now looking foward to the race here proper.

"We have been carrying out some good work today and we have tested all that we needed to." he said after the session had finished. "We only had a mechanical problem towards the end of the day that deprived us from a long run but everything worked very well otherwise. We continued working on setting-up the car and on the brakes, which are really put to the test on this circuit. I learnt a lot from this and it is definitely going to be helpful for the actual race weekend here in April. I am also happy that I get another chance to drive the new car in Jerez on Friday before leaving to Melbourne."

Ricardo Zonta took over for the final day in Italy whilst da Matta flew to Spain for a final day in the new TF103 chassis before the Australian Grand Prix. The Brazilian completed 68 laps, enabling the team to complete it's technical programme ahead of the Grand Prix here.

"Today was my first visit to Imola with the team and it is always positive to experience different circuits in testing," Ricardo was quoted as saying. "We had a productive day and I carried on with Cristiano's programme. We were using the interim car, but gathered lots of useful data to prepare for the San Marino race, especially regarding set-up options. I could already feel some improvement in the car behaviour between this morning and the end of the session. I am feeling more and more acquainted to the team and I look forward to accompanying them to the Australian Grand Prix next week."

Toyota will finish their build up to the 2003 season tomorrow (Friday) at Jerez.