Trulli rules out Toyota podiums in 2008

"Let's make this clear: in this situation, not only the Ferraris will be unmatchable for us, but also the McLarens," Trulli was quoted as saying by Autosprint magazine.

"So, talking about getting some podiums is completely unrealistic," added the Italian, who still believes Toyota are in a better position than last year.

"Compared to 2007 the car has improved a lot in overall reliability and in the performance on worn tyres, which had been our main problem," he said.

"Considering the problems BMW seem to suffer, maybe for us there's the chance of getting close to the second level teams like Renault, BMW and Williams, but it's impossible to do more than that.

"Looking at the behaviour of the Ferraris on the track is obviously depressing. They can brake wherever they want to but most of all they can accelerate wherever they want to, while I always have to be careful with getting on the power, which is not managed by traction control anymore."

Toyota endured a poor season in 2007 and have not been on the podium since 2006.

The Cologne-based squad and Ferrari spent six days of testing at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain last week, and the Japanese cars were no match for their Italian rivals, clearly faster during most days.

Trulli reckons Ferrari are clearly ahead of all their rivals.

"In my opinion, even compared to McLaren, they are at least half a second faster per lap. Good night then, I feel the championship is already over even before the start," Trulli said.