Toyota Stay Confident Despite Poor Start

Toyota's chief designer Gustav Brunner has warned not to read too much into the Japanese squad's performance in today's qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Frenchman Olivier Panis and Brazilian teammate Cristiano da Matta finished as 18th and 19th quickest respectively after a dismal performance which saw them struggle for pace at the principality.

Brunner, however, was confident the team will be able to move forward in the grid deciding session on Saturday.

"I really don't think we should read too much into today's results," said Brunner. "I am sure Cristiano was taking it a bit easy. It was his first time at this track and I am sure he was playing it safe. He has raced on street tracks in CART, so he should be able to get up to speed by Saturday when he can get more laps done.

"Olivier managed only 21 laps in this morning's session, and only one proper run on new tyres. It looks bad, but I am ever confident and the real picture will emerge on Saturday afternoon, when it counts."