Zonta Hoping to Fight for Points Finish

Brazilian Ricardo Zonta is looking to score some points at tomorrow's Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring circuit.

The Toyota driver, replacing compatriot Cristiano da Matta, will compete in a Formula One race for the first time since the 2001 German Grand Prix. Zonta will start Sunday's race from 15th position after qualifying nearly two seconds off the pole position time.

"The weather changed a bit between practice and qualifying and that made the car slide around more," explained Zonta. "Also, it was my first experience with one-lap qualifying, so it was quite difficult to put everything together.

"In spite of the final result, I am very motivated. I think we have a good car and I am ready to fight for points in the race tomorrow. I have had fantastic support from the team, which has made the transition from third driver to race driver much easier this weekend."

Zonta finished less than a tenth of a second behind French teammate Olivier Panis, who was disappointed with his 13th position on tomorrow's grid.

"For some reason the performance of the car in qualifying was much worse than we have shown this weekend," said Panis. "The only thing I can think of is that the wind must have affected us more than everyone else.

"The whole race team has worked well, but now we need to be fully focused on the race and keep pushing. In the last six races of this season, we need to pick up the maximum number of points we can."