Panis Looking Forward to Toyota Challenge

Newly-signed Toyota driver Olivier Panis says he is ready to prove he still has what it takes to shine in Formula One next year with the Japanese squad.

35-year old Frenchman Panis, who scored his only Grand Prix win in Monaco back in 1996 with the Ligier team, lost his drive at British American Racing to Briton Jenson Button for 2003, but after signing a two-year deal with rookie Toyota he insisted he still wants to prove himself

"We discussed some weeks before to be honest, for me it's a very good challenge," Panis said of the move. "I really want to continue to prove many things again. I have a lot of experience, I have won one race, but it's not enough for me."

Panis said that he does not yet know who his teammate will be next year, with both Mika Salo and Allan McNish leaving the team, but added that he will get on with anyone.

"I have spoken to Toyota, but I don't think they have decided," he said. "But it's not very important to me because I am always in a good relationship with my teammate, we work together to improve the car to be as quick as possible."