Ralf: Points Just a Matter of Time

Schumacher, winner at Sepang for Williams in 2002, said he was encouraged by his car's performance in Melbourne despite finishing 12th.

"All in all it was a missed opportunity to score points," he said in a team preview of Sunday's race. "My race debut for Toyota was extremely encouraging in terms of car performance and team operations.

"It can only be a matter of time before we finish in the points," he added. "If our excellent reliability continues, points are by no means out of the question (in Malaysia)."

Italian teammate Jarno Trulli gave Toyota their first front row start in Melbourne, qualifying second after rain turned Saturday's session into a lottery, but faded to ninth place after struggling with a blistered rear tyre.

"With the new technical regulations for engines and tyres, we could see some surprises and upsets this weekend," he said. "I hope we fall into the former category."

Technical director Mike Gascoyne said Toyota would have a new front wing for Sepang as well as some new smaller aerodynamic components.