Ralf positive about new car

"The new aero package has massively improved the car and gives us a lot more downforce," the German told Autosport.com, "but we still have a lot of work ahead of us. This test here has been particularly difficult to understand - lap times are all over the place, but we are happy with what we've done so far."

All of the teams have acknowledged problems with setting up their new cars at the Spanish track in the wake of resurfacing carried out over the Christmas period, and Schumacher noted that cold weather during the week didn't help matters.

Looking forward to the season opener in Melbourne, now less than three weeks away, Schumacher was understated by confident about the team's chances, noting: "It's difficult to say [where we will be], but we seem to be close to the pace set by BAR and Williams at the moment which, if it turns out to be the case, is already very good for us.

"It's no different than any other year, really - you go there and try to do your best. I think it's a realistic target for us to go there expecting to finish the race and score some points, but when we get there we'll see where we are. That's what's always exciting about the first race of the season, to find out exactly where we are in comparison with the others."

Toyota is planning to test the car for the final time before the start of the season next week, in Valencia.