Panis targets consistency
Olivier Panis believes that Toyota needs to improve its consistency if it is to make further progress up the Formula 1 grid in 2004
This year's TF103 was capable of challenging the front-runners, as Panis and Cristiano da Matta demonstrated when they filled the second row of the grid for the Japanese Grand Prix, but also struggled for place at certain events, with the team at a loss to explain why.
"For me the weak point has been the inconsistency during the season," said Panis. "At some places we were quick and some places we were not, but I think we have learned a lot and have some good pointers for next year.
"I think we have demonstrated that the car was quick and that we have the potential for future seasons. What we achieved at Hockenheim with Cristiano and me in the top six was what we should have achieved in most races this year."
Panis believes that, if Toyota finds consistency, scoring points on a regular basis is a realistic goal.
"On occasions this year, the TF103 has really impressed me and it has looked competitive, for example at Barcelona, Indy and Silverstone. You sometimes feel really good pushing to the maximum but you don't know why you are a little bit away.
"It is something that we have to work on and improve over the winter, but I expect next year's TF104 to be capable of scoring points regularly, and who knows what else could come?"
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