Ralf unsure of Toyota form

The Japanese manufacturer's new TF107 has had an unflattering build-up to the campaign, despite the team setting very high targets to capture their first win in 2007.

And although there have been some suggestions that Toyota could be fighting near the back of the grid at the start of the campaign, Schumacher has insisted he does not know where his team really stand.

"We have had some good test sessions, some difficult ones, and it seems to be the same for other teams too - maybe only except Ferrari," said the German. "They had a difficult start but then continuously were very quick.

"We had some updates on the car which worked out as expected. We still have some problems to sort out, as many teams down the pitlane have, so it is nothing unusual.

"But it is difficult to tell really where we are, so I think we have to wait and see. Even Friday practice will be difficult, but after this weekend it will be easier."

Although the team have set their sights on a victory this season, and even apologized to their fans for not succeeding last year, Schumacher says it is unrealistic to have expected his team to kick start their season near the front.

"Well clearly for us, we are in a developing stage," he explained. "After such a difficult season as we had last year, to expect us to be at the front from the beginning is not realistic anyway. So we have to find out our status - and just how far we have to go."

Should the TF107 not prove to be as good as Toyota are hoping, then Schumacher thinks that the characteristics of the tyres this year could further hamper their chances.

"What we have learned from is that if you have a problem it will be emphasised by those tyres. So I think we will see bigger gaps between the good teams and bad teams."