Happy Panis Looking to Score Points

Frenchman Olivier Panis is looking to score more points for the Toyota team in tomorrow's European Grand Prix after qualifying in seventh position today.

Panis, 17th in first qualifying after rain slowed the tail enders on Friday, suggested that struggling Toyota could spring surprises in what is a local race for the Cologne-based Japanese team. Panis was comfortably quicker in this morning's first practice session.

Toyota have scored just four points in eight races this season, but Panis's showing hinted at aerodynamic improvements and the Frenchman was able to confirm that in final qualifying.

"I am really quite happy with my lap," admitted Panis. "We have been very competitive all weekend and I think that everybody has worked tremendously hard to get the cars to go well around the Nurburgring this weekend. We had a good car from the first session yesterday, so it was a shame the rain prevented us from qualifying higher up on Friday afternoon.

"Going out so early on in the today's session was a bit of a drawback, because I am sure the track improved as more cars went out, however having two cars in the top ten again is a positive result for the whole team. We are improving all the time and I reckon we are in good shape for a points finish in tomorrow's race."

Brazilian teammate Cristiano da Matta completed a promising session for the Japanese squad, posting the 10th fastest time.

"I am pleased with the lap today and with our performance over this weekend," said da Matta. "We know we have a car that works well around here, as we proved in the practice sessions, and we have actually exceeded our expectations a little bit. We have operated well as a team and I am sure we can achieve a good result tomorrow.

"Both cars have been on the pace since the first session on Friday and the Michelin tyres are working very well, which will be an advantage for us in the race. We have to continue in this way for the rest of the season and keep making this kind of progress."