Toyota Duo to Use TF105B in Japan

As Autosport-Atlas revealed on Thursday, Schumacher had already decided to use the new car for the final two races after a successful test at the Jerez circuit on Wednesday.

The German, who has struggled to match the pace of his teammate Trulli this season, felt the car was an improvement over the current machine and that it suited his driving style better.

Trulli, however, was not so convinced as was waiting until the end of today's session to decide.

But Toyota's technical director Mike Gascoyne told Autosport-Atlas on Friday that both drivers will use the new car in Japan.

"Ralf tested the car on the first day, and had tested it for the first time in Monza, and also in the wet at Silverstone but it was a proper test really for the first time here in Jerez," Gascoyne told Autosport-Atlas at Jerez.

"He likes the car and we will take it to Suzuka and Shanghai. We have two cars already anyway, and he will use it. Ralf had struggled with the front end much more than Jarno, so for him it was clearly beneficial. It did give more front end grip, which was a bit too much for Jarno.

"There is some risk involved in introducing the cars, there are some unknown factors in fly-away races but we clearly got fourth in the constructors' and it is worth taking a risk, and if we do well in Suzuka we may be able to challenge for third in the final race.

"Should we have problems we can always revert back to the standard car, we have the three cars already out there with all the parts."

Trulli added: "I will race the B car in the end. I did not get more out of the car over one lap but over long runs, the car was more consistent, and should be quicker in the end.

"I go for it. Besides, this car is going to be the car for winter and also the base for 2006, so..."