Panis Pleased with Slot in Top Ten

Olivier Panis was happy with his performance in today's first qualifying for the German Grand Prix at the Hockenheim circuit.

The Toyota team are using a new specification engine and new aerodynamic parts on their TF103 this weekend, and Panis was encouraged after setting the tenth quickest time in the session.

"I am quite encouraged by this result," admitted the Frenchman. "We are in the top ten again, which is where we aim to be in every qualifying and we have found a good balance on the car for this track. Our tyre supplier Michelin is also looking competitive here, so overall I am pleased.

"The whole team has done a good job and we have started the German Grand Prix weekend well. I hope we can keep this up."

Panis's teammate Cristiano da Matta, on the other hand, was not so pleased with his effort after posting the 15th fastest time.

"I am not pleased with my qualifying lap this afternoon," said da Matta. "Everything felt good on the car in this morning's free practice hour, but I didn't get a great run in qualifying.

"We got the balance of the car wrong for the session, and I suffered from too much oversteer during my flying lap. I made a couple of little mistakes as well, but I think we have a good package for this track and the car has potential, so I think everything will be fine tomorrow."