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Monday, January 20 Updated: January 28, 4:04 PM ET  Comments on Formula One drivers ESPN.com We spotlighted F1 drivers Olivier Panis and Anthony Pizzonia. Here are your thoughts on their '02 campaigns and prospects for next season:
Olivier Panis has always been a 'good' No. 2. With a vast amount of test mileage under his belt at McLaren, BAR secured his services in the hope he could somehow perform a miracle on their car. Neither were up to the job (though he did trouble Jacques on occasions). His future seemed uncertain. Yet somehow Toyota has thrown him a life line. Having dumped their two drivers from last year and da Matta set to struggle in a new formula for him (consider new tracks, new qualifying) Toyota may struggle again. If only Panis could repeat his sole victory at Monaco all those years ago he wouldn't be a one hit wonder.
Pizzonia, like Panis, has secured his drive in F1 more in respect to his testing ability at Williams than his current results. Much was expected of the young Brazilian after he secured the British F3 title a few years ago but since then he has struggled to remain competitive in the F3000 series compared to the likes of Justin Wilson, Mark Webber and Sebastien Bourdais. Jaguar was less competitive than Toyota last year (besides Irvine's third in Italy) so it is very much make or brake for them. The ruthless British press will watch Pizzonia's every move. Let's hope he rediscovers those F3 days.
Panis has been held back by the teams he has previously worked with and is first in line to get Toyota's first win. His speed has at times been suspect but my opinion is that it is mostly attributable to his lack of a predictable good handling chassis or engine. The Honda in his BAR has been abominable so far with meager improvements late in the season. With luck there will be two Japanese F1 engine manufacturers fighting it out. Toyota certainly showed they have the motor in '02. If both of their new drivers settle in quickly they could challenge McLaren and BMW, especially early in the season. Alan Eisele Lansing, Mich.
Olivier Panis may bring some technical expertise to Toyota, but I doubt his car will be capable of running with the big boys in 2003. But, hopefully, Toyota will continue to improve and score more points next season. The addition of Panis and Cristiano da Matta as drivers is definitely a step in the right direction from the team. Dawson Morgensen Tucson, Ariz.
This could be another example of a possibly talented young driver getting his first and only F1 chance in a bad car. Pizzonia will struggle in 2003 and likely be let go after a season and all but forgotten about -- though it will be no fault of his own. If the Jag is at least decent, maybe he'll score a point or two and hang on to his ride for next season. Angel Garnder Athens, Ga.
The Panis and da Matta pairing at Toyota will be exciting to watch. This team seems dedicated to improving and could score some points in 2003. Panis is a solid driver and will help da Matta acclimate to F1 both on and off the track. Xavier Dasaan Springfield, Ill.
Antonio Pizzonia may have impressed Williams during his stint as a test driver, but, ultimately, he struggled when the green flag waved in F3000. And, now, Pizzonia finds himself behind the wheel of a Jaguar, which certainly isn't a Williams. Pizzonia may end up like Felipe Massa last season. He'll be quicker than expected, but too wild and reckless to score many, if any, points. Dan Nunnally Newark, Ohio  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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