Panis: TF105 has potential

Retired French Formula 1 star and Toyota test driver Olivier Panis believes that the Japanese manufacturer's TF105 chassis is a step ahead of its predecessor, despite the new car having struggled for pace in recent tests

The Toyota TF105 has been comprehensively outpaced by the new Renault, BAR-Honda and Sauber chassis in testing at Valencia this week and Panis was slowest on both days that he participated. Nevertheless the Frenchman reckons there is much cause for optimism for the TF105.

"The base is very positive," he said, "mechanically it is better. As for the aero we have to wait and see until the new aero kit comes, it is much more stable, definitely the rear end of the car is better than last year and I feel the car is more connected.

"These are not ideal conditions with strong gusts of wing and the temperature being so low but I am very positive. The first impression of the car was that there is no twisty feeling in the car, and so it was good and we continue to work on it. I am very positive for the base of the car, there is nothing bad about it.

Panis admitted there is much work to be done and worked on improvements to the front end during the test. "I am struggling to get the temperatures into the front tyres, he said, "so we tried a few things on the front end to improve that. But because there are some other items to test for the reliability we could not do a lot of work on the front end."