Panis Celebrates 150th GP with Points

Frenchman Olivier Panis celebrated his 150th Formula One Grand Prix with his best result of the season at today's United States Grand Prix.

The 37-year old Toyota driver came home in fifth position at the Indianapolis race to elevate the Japanese squad to seventh place in the Constructors' Championship.

"I think it is a highly positive weekend for all the team and we can celebrate a great result," said Panis. "It was my 150th Grand Prix and I got a fantastic present of four points. I am very happy. The team gave me a consistent and competitive car and I drove a good race.

"We profited from all the hard work we have put in this weekend. We need to keep going on in this direction because the top six is where we should be finishing every race."

Panis's teammate Cristiano da Matta endured a very troubled race right from the start and went on to retire after only 18 laps.

"I got a good start but coming into turn two I was hit from behind by another car," said da Matta. "After that, I had to come into the pits, but the accident also resulted in me not being able to select first gear. In the end, I got stuck in gear and I had to stop.

"The problem with the gears was only caused by the collision and that ended my race far too early. We showed a good level of competitiveness this weekend - the positive thing we can take from this race."