Panis: No easy ride for Schumacher

Olivier Panis has dismissed fears the new qualifying rule in Formula One next season will make it easier for Michael Schumacher to dominate the championship.

The veteran Frenchman reckons the change to a one-off qualifying lap will benefit several drivers and will help shake up the grid.

Formula One chiefs introduced the ruling following Schumacher’s dominance last season when he won 11 of the 15 races in the belief that changing weather conditions and mechanical problems will shake up the gird.

The fear is that Schumacher’s ability to be on the pace straight away will give him the edge over his rivals.

But Panis said: “I don’t know why people say the rule will benefit only Michael.

“We have a lot of drivers who are good in qualifying and a lot of drivers who can be quick on their first lap. What we need to fight Michael is to have better cars.

“We needed to change something and I feel very positive about the new qualifying rule. At times we will have a different grid so for the show I think it will be very good.”

Panis, reflecting on the other change which will see the top-eight finishers instead of the top six get points, added: “It will be fairer for everybody, especially the smaller team.”

The 36-year-old, whose only grand prix win came for Ligier in Monaco six years ago, is confident new team Toyota can build on last season’s maiden campaign when they scored two points.

“I am really positive about the team, although I know we have a lot to learn,” said Panis, who is conducting his first test for the Germany-based outfit in Barcelona this week.

“The team will make a big step-forward for next year.

“We should be able to perform well next year, but we won’t know until we get to qualifying in Melbourne.”

Panis, who lost his place at British American Racing to Britain’s Jenson Button, has been impressed by F1 rookie Cristiano da Matta so far.

The Brazilian was two seconds off the pace set by Panis on the first day of testing, but has cut that deficit by half on the Circuit de Catalunya yesterday.

“I think F1 has been a big shock to Cristiano,” said Panis. “But he is obviously a quick learner as you can see by his times. He is doing a good job.”