Formula One news

Panis: It's hard to pick the right time to stop

The worst thing about becoming an older grand prix driver is picking the 'right time' to stop, Olivier Panis stated. The Frenchman, 38, enthused about another stint on the grid earlier in 2004, but is now resigned to becoming a Toyota test driver in 2005 and 2006. He raced for the last time at Suzuka.

"I feel like I have decided to stop at the right time," Panis said this week. "It's a decision that so many people find difficult."

Panis leaves seven time world champion Michael Schumacher as the oldest - although he was already the most experienced - driver in Formula One. Known as 'Olive' in the paddock, the veteran of 158 grands prix vowed to spend 'more time with the family' away from the racing track in 2005.

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