Panis bids final farewell

[davewilson]

Toyota have presented retiring French test driver Olivier Panis with a piece of asphalt from the Jerez circuit as a memento of the many days he spent pounding round the Spanish track.

The 40-year-old, whose last grand prix was in Japan with Toyota in 2004, announced his departure in September after spending the last two years as a test driver for the Cologne-based team.

Thursday was his last day in the car and he was presented with the asphalt and a signed rear-wing end plate while Toyota driver Jarno Trulli gave him a helmet.

Panis, winner of the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix with Ligier, was given an entire Toyota grand prix car at the 2005 French Grand Prix.

"It was my last day in Formula One and I am sure I will miss it but eventually you have to make this decision," he said.

"Now is the right time for a change."

From Reuters 15.12.2006

The Stig