Panis Encouraged by Strong Showing

Toyota driver Olivier Panis was encouraged following another strong performance from the Japanese outfit in final qualifying for the German Grand Prix.

"It is good to see that we are continuing our good form with another top ten qualifying position," said the French driver after setting the seventh quickest time of the day. "I am very pleased with my lap and everyone has worked well this weekend.

"I think we have developed a good stability within the team, which is being reflected in these positive results. This morning, we worked very well to develop the car and to find a good balance. Cristiano also did a good job and with both of us in the top ten things are looking good for the race tomorrow."

It was a case of mixed feelings for the Cologne-based squad, and while Panis was pleased with his showing, teammate Cristiano da Matta lamented a driving error at the end of his flying lap that cost him a lot of valuable time.

The CART champion wound up ninth.

"Despite claiming another top ten grid position, I am really not happy with my qualifying lap today," he admitted. "The car definitely had a much better lap time in it, but I lost around half-a-second at the last corner. I was simply pushing a bit too hard and made a mistake.

"The car felt good and we improved the handling through free practice and again in the warm-up session, so it is frustrating not to be a bit higher up on the grid tomorrow, although we should be in reasonable shape in the race."