Toyota optimistic

"This test gave us our first chance to try out the new chassis for the TF104B," said the former Champ Car champion. "We have high hopes for the updated car, but it's impossible to assess its performance yet.

"The new aerodynamic package is going straight to Hockenheim and we won't be able to test that until the race weekend itself. But at least we've given the monocoque a shakedown to get through some of the small problems now.

"I missed quite a bit of running on both days with electrical glitches," he added, "but any time a new car goes onto the track for the first time, we need to see if something unexpected comes up, and find out how to fix it. We did some work on suspension and we also put in a tyre test both for Hockenheim and the Hungaroring, as there is no testing between the two races."

Toyota test driver Ricardo Zonta was actually quicker than than da Matta at Jerez aboard the team's original-spec car, while testing software that will be used on the TF104B. There are still more aero parts to be fitted to the new car, which will make it some 33lbs lighter by time it gets to Hockenheim.