Toyota Just Hope to Make it to Starting Grid

The new kids on the Formula One block say they will be happy just to make it to the starting grid of Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

While Ferrari, McLaren and Williams will be expecting to race for the checkered flag, Formula One debutants Toyota say they have more modest goals. Toyota's team principal Ove Andersson told a news conference on Thursday his team's immediate ambition was to qualify for the race.

"Beginners are beginners and we need to learn to walk before we can run," Andersson said. "I believe that has to be the first aim because otherwise we will not go racing if we don't qualify.

"I think the first few races for us have to be about learning and the team has to grow together."

Andersson said his team were already anxious about Saturday's qualifying session.

"It feels a lot better because we've finally made it to Melbourne," he said. "That was our first concern but now we are a member of the family.

"(But) it's also a feeling of concern, I suppose. This is the first time we've done a race and we'd like to see where we are at. It's a bit of stress over the whole operation for the time being."

While Toyota are at pains to play down their chances of making an impact in their debut season, some of their rivals suspect they may be bluffing. The Toyota engine has shown itself to be strong and reliable in extensive pre-season testing and some media reports have suggested it is producing as much power as some of the established top-tier teams.