Toyota F1 Drivers

By Toyota F1 Media
January 17 2004

  
The Driving Force
 
Olivier PanisTsutomu Tomita: “Both race drivers Olivier and Cristiano did a very good job for us in 2003, but to be honest we expect even better in 2004. We have to really push from the start and I know they are capable of that. Ricardo made some valuable tests for us. He is quick and motivated with excellent technical feedback that will be fruitful for good 2004 results.”

John Howett: “I am sure that we have the right driver line-up in 2004. Olivier showed last year how quick he is and his great testing capability and experience continue to help us in many areas of our operation. Cristiano demonstrated his potential last season, which we believe will be apparent to everyone in 2004, especially those who may have missed it in 2003!”
Ove Andersson: “The combination of Olivier, Cristiano and Ricardo is ideal for Toyota. They all have very different characters, but work well not only with the team, but also each other. I never had any doubt about their driving ability but in some instances they even surpassed my expectations.”

Christiano Da MattaLuca Marmorini: “Our drivers did a brilliant job in their first year with the team. Cristiano has a very strong character and talent at circuits he had never driven before, so I am excited by what he can show in 2004. Olivier is a very good team player and has really accelerated the team’s learning curve.”

Mike Gascoyne: “I think Toyota has an excellent driver line-up. Olivier has a tremendous amount of F1 experience and has always been a very quick driver. Cristiano had a good first season and has a proven racing history.

In 2003, on circuits he had never driven before, he showed some very impressive performances. I think Ricardo is the ideal man for testing. You need an experienced driver who knows the circuits and has good technical feedback. I rate him highly.”

Keizo Takahashi: “All the drivers did a great job in 2003. Olivier contributed a lot to the development of our car and got top ten in qualifying on thirteen occasions. Cristiano also did a solid job and finished thirteen races with two top six finishes and third in Japanese GP qualifying, which was very impressive.”
 
 
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