Location: Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France Dates: 11-13 May 2005 Drivers: Ricardo Zonta
(11-13), Olivier Panis (11-13) Track Length: 3.593km (11-12), 5.216km, 3.551km (13)
Ricardo Zonta - Chassis
TF105/06 Best Lap Time: 1m00.822s Total laps: 353 Total Distance: 1311km
Ricardo, what were you working on here? We
spent the first two days on a short version of the circuit that was laid out to be similar to Monaco. We put in a lot of Michelin
tyre work and suspension tests for Monaco and we ran some small aero parts as well. It went pretty well and I put in over 100 laps
on each of the days. On Friday morning they changed the layout to include a longer straight so we could work on tyres to prepare for
next month's Canadian Grand Prix. The track was shortened again in the afternoon for the last few hours of running.
How do
you think things are looking for Toyota at next week's Monaco Grand Prix? The main problem for us at Monaco is the bumps. Our
car is also best suited to medium-fast corners. But we are working very hard to find the right balance for Monaco's slow corners and
we have made some progress here this week so I think we could be okay. The tyres are looking good so let's hope for another good
result.
Olivier Panis - Chassis TF105/07 Best Lap Time: 1m00.993s Total laps: 292 Total Distance: 1084km
Olivier,
how has the test gone for you? This test has been quite productive for us. We spent the first couple of days working on
set-up and weight distribution for Monaco on the short circuit. We did pretty well, finding a really good balance. We also did some
tyre tests for Monaco and it looks like we've found a good solution. We then spent Wednesday morning doing work for Canada on the
long circuit. We lost time with a gearbox control problem before switching back to a shorter circuit. Overall I'm quite impressed
with our week's work because the car and tyres were not only strong, but they were also really consistent. So things are looking
pretty positive.
How do you rate Toyota's prospects for Monaco after this test? What we worked on here improved the
balance of the car a lot. Now we just need to see where we are on a track that is as bumpy as Monaco. On paper I would say that
Monaco wouldn't be one of the best circuits for Toyota this year. Imola was our hardest circuit so far because of its kerbs and
Monaco's bumps are also a challenge for the suspension. But Monaco is a grand prix which can often throw up a surprise result so you
never know. If the cars can score points it will be great. Anything more would be a major bonus
