Panis Hindered by Electrical Problem

The Toyota Formula One team endured a disappointing qualifying session ahead of tomorrow's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Only Brazilian Cristiano da Matta managed to set a time while his teammate Olivier Panis could not even leave the pitlane to complete his qualifying run due to an electrical problem with his TF104 car. The Frenchman will start the race from 18th place.

"Before Olivier's second run there was some electrical damage to the car, which meant that we were unable to fire it up properly," explained technical director Mike Gascoyne. "We then tried to start the car but the electrical damage prevented his throttle from working, so we couldn't get out in time.

"With Cristiano, we have been suffering from a general lack of grip and all in all it was a very disappointing qualifying after what was a highly productive morning for the team. We now have to concentrate on ensuring that we put in the strongest race performance we can."

Former CART champion da Matta wound up 13th fastest after what he claimed was a disappointing lap.

"I am not pleased with my lap," admitted the Brazilian. "This afternoon, for some reason, the car has been more disconnected than it was in morning practice; the balance was not as good and we had less grip. Compared to what we achieved this morning, I was expecting a much better result.

"I made a small mistake in turn 14, which lost me a few tenths, but generally the grip levels were not as good this afternoon. We need to work very hard for the race tomorrow."