Panis Pleased with Top Ten Slot

Frenchman Olivier Panis was happy after posting a time within the top ten in today's qualifying for the San Marino Grand Prix.

"I am really quite pleased with my flying lap today and another top ten grid position," said Toyota driver Panis, tenth quickest today. "It was particularly good considering we did not start in so well yesterday with a lot of handling problems.

"The team has done a good job and reacted very well to adjust and improve the car. It's the first time this season that I have managed a clean flying lap and I think, in the end, we are looking in reasonable shape for the race."

Panis outqualified his Brazilian teammate Cristiano da Matta, who today set the 13th quickest time. The CART champion was also pleased with his effort.

"After a tricky start to the weekend, I think I got pretty much everything out of the car I could today," admitted da Matta. "The track conditions were a bit slippery, but my lap was quite good. We have been making constant improvements to the car all weekend and the whole team has done a good job.

"Of course, there is no limit on the work you can do on car set-up; there is always something extra, but from a driving point of view, I think it was a good day and I am pleased."