Toyota Duo Encouraged after Strong Start

Brazilian Cristiano da Matta was encouraged after a promising start in Friday's practice for the United States Grand Prix.

"I think we have had quite a good couple of sessions this morning," said the Toyota driver, who was the quickest of the Japanese squad's drivers.

"It seems quite clear to me what compound of tyre we need to use, but we will only really know where we stand tomorrow because every team does different things on the opening day. For us, I think the biggest thing we need to look at is the traction, but overall it's not been a bad start to our US Grand Prix weekend."

Da Matta, who like French teammate Olivier Panis was disqualified from the Canadian Grand Prix last weekend, was seventh fastest, one place ahead of Panis. The veteran was also pleased with his day's work.

"We have had two productive free practice sessions which we also used for long runs in order to get as much data about the two tyre compounds as possible," said Panis. "I am quite happy that all three of us drivers were able to get into the top ten.

"This is particularly encouraging as I know that I still have some margin for improvement because I was held up by traffic on my quick lap. The team did a very good job and I am looking forward to tomorrow."