Toyota confident over engine reliability

The Japanese squad, who unveiled their new TF106 car today, experienced just one engine retirement over 19 race weekends in 2005.

But new rules come into play in 2006, and the team will have to use a new V8 engine.

"A lot of teething problems have been solved through our ability to get the V8 testing at an early stage," sad Marmorini.

"We have gathered a lot of data both on the track and in the factory. On 3 November we completed the required two race weekend mileage in the dyno for the first time and that has permitted us to start our winter testing programme with a fully 'raceable' RVX-06 unit.

"Now our job is to redefine the limits of our engine and to push back the boundaries as much as we can before the new season."

The new Toyota RVX-06 engine was test-benched for the first time on 21 March, one day after the team scored their debut podium finish at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Since its first track run at the end of July, the V8 has completed 291 laps over eight separate days, for a distance of 2,143km.

"Luca and his team have done an exceptional job, which has had a positive knock-on effect for the chassis department, a benefit enhanced by being based at the same factory, under the same roof," Technical Director Mike Gascoyne said.

"Having a pair of TF106s at our disposal for winter testing means that the development of our mechanical package will be significantly advanced."