Toyota drivers optimistic for 2006

Italian Trulli scored the team's maiden Formula One podium during the 2005 season, and Toyota went on to claim five rostrum finishes on their way to fifth place in the Championship.

The team have been the first to introduce their 2006 car and Trulli has joined his bosses' in expressing his belief that the strategy will pay off for them.

"Hopefully this will give us an advantage for this year," said Trulli. "We cannot say we will be the best, but for sure we will be very well prepared with the new car in terms of mileage and experience.

"We've tried to solve all the problems and get ready for the first race. Now we're doing very well, and it feels good, although there's still a lot of work to be done in the run-up to the first race and beyond. I am optimistic and confident."

Schumacher reckons it is still early to make predictions, but after having tested the new TF106 intensively over the past month, the German driver says Toyota are looking good.

"Of course it is still very early, but the new car felt really good," said Schumacher. "Obviously, the power is lower but it is still a very driveable engine, with a nice torque curve. I am happy with the new Bridgestone tyres as well, but we have a full programme of pre-season testing and development to continue making improvements to our package.

"It is an intensive schedule with a lot of work to cover before the first race, but that is where we can benefit from having our car ready so early. We learned that last year and saw the gains. It helped us a lot in the first few races, and that's what we are aiming for again."

Both Trulli and Schumacher will start their second season with Toyota.