Toyota Boss Targets Fifth Place in 2004

Toyota boss Ove Andersson says his team are targeting fifth position in next year's Formula One World Championship.

"We will not really know where we will stand next year until the new TF104 car is ready and testing," said Andersson. "In my mind, we are still lacking experience, but that is something that only comes with time. The performance of the car is good when we understand how to work with it on the different circuits.

"We should be aiming to improve on our qualifying positions next season, looking to the top six or eight on a regular basis and convert that into tangible race results, something we have not been able to do in 2003. We were comparatively close to fifth in the Constructors' Championship this season, so in my opinion, this should be within our reach in 2004."

The Japanese squad, in their second season in Formula One, finished in eighth position in this year's Constructors' Championship with 16 points. Andersson says Toyota are working hard to ensure they move forward next year.

"Everyone at Toyota Motorsport in Cologne is actively working on preparations for next season," he added. "We must first investigate and debrief the 2003 season to determine our approach for next year, but production of the TF104 is already well underway.

"Just because one season is finished does not mean we can rest on our laurels. F1 development is ongoing and accordingly so too is our work at the factory. We are determined for better things in 2004, and will do all we can to make significant steps up the Championship ladder next year."

The Cologne-based squad will retain their drivers line-up in 2004, with Olivier Panis still partnering Brazilian Cristiano da Matta.