Toyota Encouraged by Race Pace

German driver Ralf Schumacher was the only point-scorer for the Cologne-based team, finishing down in sixth place nearly a minute behind race winner Fernando Alonso.

Italian teammate Jarno Trulli had an eventful race filled with incidents and even a penalty before he retired on the last lap with a pneumatic problem.

Tomita, however, was happy with Toyota's day.

"That was a good race from Ralf, and we have to be encouraged by today," said Tomita. "But given the race pace we had today we really could have hoped for more. Ralf's long first stint paid off and got him into a very good position.

"Unfortunately he lost a couple of places after his first stop, which we were able to get back at the end. Jarno's race was ruined in the first couple of corners when he got pushed off by a Williams, picked up a puncture on his front left tyre and had to pit. He drove a strong race until he picked up a drive-through penalty.

"That was unfortunate because he was trying to overtake Heidfeld, which obviously distracted him. Then we had a pneumatic problem on his engine, and he came in to refill it before we finally had to stop the car.

"It was a shame not to be able to come away with even more but we have to be very encouraged by the pace we showed here today."