Happy Panis Aims to Score Some Points

Frenchman Olivier Panis was delighted after completing his best qualifying performance of the year ahead of tomorrow's race in Germany.

The British American Racing driver, who has scored two points so far in 2002, gave the Brackley-based squad a boost by setting the seventh quickest time in today's session, being the fastest Bridgestone runner behind the two Ferraris of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello.

The veteran Frenchman, whose best qualifying performance with BAR was a sixth place in Canada last year, is looking to materialise his opportunity in the race.

"I'm delighted with seventh place today," said Panis. I'm also very pleased for the team because they have worked very hard to make another step forward. I'm particularly happy for Honda because again we've seen the results of their efforts and signs that they have made another step in the right direction.

"We used the latest engine for the qualifying session and it was a big improvement on free practice this morning. We will be using the same engine for the race tomorrow so I'm really optimistic that we can have a good race from where we are on the grid. We're in a good position now to fight for some points and I intend to make the most of that opportunity."

Panis outqualified teammate Jacques Villeneuve, who wound up 11th quickest in the second Honda-powered 004.