Trulli: Toyota set for breakthrough year

After a dismal 2007 season, Trulli believes Toyota are now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and are ready to fight near the sharp end of the field.

"I wouldn't be shocked if we turn out to be the surprise of the year," Trulli told Gazzetta dello Sport. "The greatest satisfaction is seeing the smiling faces in the team after two years of just disappointments.

"Finally we see the light at the end of the tunnel and we have the sensation that something is changing.

"Ferrari and McLaren are from another planet, but we can fight in the group that includes BMW, Renault, Williams and Red Bull."

He added: "A driver realizes immediately whether he has a good car in his hands or not, and since the first test I realized that I had a different animal in my hands.

"But it was in Bahrain where we realized that we were on the right track because, while slower than Ferrari, we've improved, and by a lot, over last year's laptimes."

Trulli reckons Toyota still need to work on their qualifying form, but the Italian is adamant he will be able to make up for any problems.

"We aren't yet at our best in qualifying, but that's not a problem because over a single lap I'm always able to come up with something," he said.

The Toyota driver again praised the input from expert engineer Frank Dernie, who has joined the team as an advisor.

"He is full of ideas. But the thing I liked best during pre-season was that the team finally listen to me more, and we are starting to see some results."