Panasonic Toyota - Statement regarding 2004 driver line-up

[RaceTime]

Tuesday 05 August 2003


Toyota has today confirmed that both of its race drivers - Olivier Panis and Cristiano da Matta - will participate in the 2004 FIA Formula 1 World Championship as race drivers for the Panasonic Toyota Racing F1 team.


"I am pleased to reconfirm that both Olivier and Cristiano will drive with Panasonic Toyota Racing for the 2004 season," commented Team Principal Ove Andersson. "They have both performed very well throughout this season _ and have played an integral role in developing the TF103 race car. We look forward to continuing our work with both Olivier and Cristiano as one team to try to aim for a higher position in the constructors' standings in the remaining races of this season and to build upon our highly commendable performance in 2004."

[DNQ]

After last years double sacking, it's good to see Toyota make a good decision for once.

[Maxmil]

With a few more civilized - and sensible - announcements like this one, we will be able to give up the silly season.

[Glen]

It's all clicking into place for Toyota - super consistent just recently and both drivers seem to be working well and to be well matched. CDM is doing very well to match Panis, or near enough, because I think Panis is well under-rated.

[Suzy]

FANTASTIC! Glad Toyota have seen sense and kept a very good line-up. They've been doing well now that they've got on top of the reliability issues... another excellent double-points finish at the weekend.

[GTRMagic]

Uh huh, just like Jaguar kept telling us Pizzaboy was safe till the end of the season, and whoompa! out the door....

[RaceTime]

He just made too many non-deliveries, that was his problem though

[BootsOntheSide]

I think they've made the right decision. Panis' development skills are near-legendary,a dn he's still got a bit of race pace, while Da Matta has done superbly considerign that he knows virtually none of this eyar's tracks and doesn't even get thte Friday testing

[jetsetter]

Finally Toyota has made a commonsense decision, thinking like this will start delivering them great results.

[JohnSSC]

The only problem with this sensible announcement is that it screws up all of the: "DC to wherever" threads!

Seriously - glad to see that both Panis and CDM will be staying and rewarded for their work this year.

[Glen]

DC to Toyota test job. Problem solved!

[JohnSSC]

Thanks Glen! I knew I could rely on you folks to keep the passion for moving DC alive!
.

[jmb83]

its great news to see Toyota sticking with Da Matta, he's hot stuff, when he gets the chance and car to prove it cheers guys all the best

[Joe Machado]

Toyota needs a chassis that can make their engines and drivers move up the grid. Who is available or willing to join them in the design department?

[Glen]

I think the progress of their development could hardly be better - this is a very tough and competitive game, and to be scoring regular points is a major success. There is not a lot wrong with the Toyota chassis - I can't see how they could possibly be doing better than Renault, so beating Jaguar and (probably) BAR is as good as it could get this year. Next year they should be looking to consolidate that position and possibly give Renault some worries - any ideas of challenging the big three with another three years are a bit fanciful.

[903cc]

DC to his own Toyota Avensis...

[f1manoz]

Panis and Cris have driven well all season and they have been justifiably rewarded with contract extensions. Panis is known as a good development and test driver, while next year Cris should be even quicker after a years learning.

[corkholio]

From Ove Andersson:
"They have both performed very well throughout this season _ and have played an integral role in developing the TF103 race car..."

Shouldn't that credit go to Luca Badoer and Felipe Massa?

[Adam43]

Originally posted by DNQ
After last years double sacking, it's good to see Toyota make a good decision for once.

I thought last year decision was a good one, if a little harsh.

[garcon]

It looked like a cop out at the time - putting the blame for poor performance on the heads of the drivers alone.

A season later, it looks much better - they obviously worked on alot of other areas too, and Panis & Da Matta have proved their worth.

[Bononi]

Good news ! I bet Toyota will come stronger next year.

[Jay]

A sensible decision? From an F1 manufacturer? Don't get me wrong, it's a good thing, I'm just in shock...

[MrSal]

Toyota didn't really have any choice. To change a driver again would have been to admit that the decision to sack both drivers last season was incompetent.
I think the Panis/DaMatta duo is stronger than the Salo/McNish combination.

[Glen]

Salo/McNish was going no-where - they were right to be strong and go for something better. There's more to it than absolute potential on one lap, or one weekend - good drivers are consistently good, and they carry on getting better through the season - like we're seeing now.

[Adam43]

I agree with that Glen. A lot of people say it is for Toyota to save face, but I feel in reality it was just so they could get two better (in their opinion - and mine!) drivers.

I was suprised they got rid of Salo, but not McNish (he was never there in a race seat for more than a year). Panis was a great choice and bringing in Da Matta then seems prudent.