Toyota Complete Four-Day Test at Paul Ricard

The Toyota Formula One team wrapped up today a four-day testing session at the Paul Ricard circuit in France.

Both Frenchman Olivier Panis and teammate Cristiano da Matta were in action at the French circuit, with Panis completing a massive 1,311 km throughout the three days. The veteran Frenchman worked at the wheel of the interim TF102B, and due to the wet weather he was forced to concentrate on testing Michelin rain tyres.

"I want to say that we have managed a lot this week," said Panis. "It has been wet weather for most of the session and we carried out a lot of work, including a mini tyre test for Michelin, in the wet conditions. I feel that we have done a good job and completed good mileage.

"Today the track was still damp and we did some work on electronic systems which went well. We are making good progress and I am looking forward to testing the TF103 in January."

Da Matta, who will make his Formula One debut with the team next season, worked with last year's TF102 machine, but the CART champion was unable to run as much as he would have liked.

"I have not done as many laps as I wanted to because we had some small problems this week, which we need to cure," said the Brazilian. "On a positive note it is good we are having these difficulties now rather than next season.

"I have been full throttle all this year, so it will be good to have a three-week holiday. It will be more than enough to recharge my batteries and I am looking forward to getting started again in January."

No times were issued by the team, and both Panis and da Matta will resume testing after the Christmas break, but not before Toyota unveil their TF103 on January 8.