Panis Confident after Strong Showing

Frenchman Olivier Panis is confident of a strong showing in tomorrow's grid-deciding qualifying session for the Brazilian Grand prix.

The Toyota driver shone in today's session at the Interlagos circuit, posting the sixth fastest time of the day albeit nearly 2.5 seconds off the pace. In difficult weather conditions, Panis managed to stay out of trouble on his flying lap and is looking to a strong second day.

"I think sixth place in qualifying is a good result for us considering the difficult weather conditions today," said Panis. "The track was a little bit quicker as it dried out towards the end of the session, but I do think we have a car that can qualify better.

"The balance of the car is quite good, but we had a problem with the traction control during the session and we need to work a bit on the settings. Once we sort this out, I think we are going to be really competitive, but I hope it stays dry tomorrow."

Local hero Cristiano da Matta wound up 11th fastest in the second TF103 car. The CART champion, who had not driven at the Brazilian circuit for nine years, rued his lack of track time, having completed only two timed laps in this morning's practice session.

"I feel a little disappointed with the qualifying result," said da Matta. "We could have been in much better shape had the weather not affected free practice this morning. The track conditions were far from ideal and nobody really drives the same race track, because it is drying out all the time.

"I just hope it is totally dry tomorrow morning for free practice, so I can get lots of laps done and learn the track one hundred percent."