Toyota, McLaren Complete Paul Ricard Test (Updated)

The McLaren and Toyota teams wrapped up today this week's testing programme at the Paul Ricard circuit in France.

The Japanese outfit worked for four days, with their racing drivers Olivier Panis and Cristiano da Matta joined by tester Ricardo Zonta. Panis and da Matta worked at the wheel of the new TF103 all days, concentrating on endurance runs to conduct reliability checks and tyre testing.

"It has been a good two-day test for me as we managed to complete the endurance test on schedule," said Panis at the end of the test. "It allowed us to put the car's reliability to the test and the outcome was very satisfactory. It is very encouraging as we get so close to the start of the racing season."

Brazilian Ricardo Zonta, meanwhile, drove the interim TF102 during the first two days, testing the TF103 on Thursday, carrying out a development programme based on data acquisition.

"I was happy to get back in the interim car and to continue working on the team's development programme," said Zonta. "The fourth and last day was particularly enjoyable for me as I had my first runs in the TF103 and managed many laps. I was very positively impressed with the team's new car and look forward to driving it again."

McLaren, who also worked with all their three drivers during the week, completed their three-day programme at the French circuit. Finn Kimi Raikkonen, fastest on Tuesday and Wednesday, was joined by David Coulthard and test driver Alexander Wurz.

Brazilian Zonta was the surprising pace-setter on the final day, outpacing all three McLaren drivers in his first outing with the new Toyota TF103.

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps 1. Zonta Toyota (M) 1:07.609 86 2. Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:07.876 88 3. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:08.216 84 4. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:15.394 61 All Timing Unofficial

Visit Atlas F1's Testing Center for further information