Toyota perplexed by suspension problems

Italian Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher both had to come into the pits to retire after suffering the same suspension problem just two laps apart.

Both men were running strongly, with Trulli fighting for his first podium finish of the season.

Tomita said the problems were like a bad dream for the team, and he reckons they could have finished in second place without them.

"Before the start of the race everything was okay - we were looking fine, the car was quick and the two drivers were motivated," said Tomita. "The start was good but just after starting the race we suffered from serious problems - it was like a bad dream. It is still unbelievable for me.

"We were obviously very fast and we had fuel for 23 and 24 laps as a result of the safety car so we were a bit heavier than most of the other cars around us. According to what we have seen from the other cars we had a good chance of taking second place.

"Both cars experienced a rear suspension failure of the central element, which was not a new part. Ralf made it clear he had a problem immediately after the safety car and then Jarno suffered the same two laps later.

"It is probably due to the bumpy nature of the track but of course we knew that would be the case here at Interlagos and we should have been prepared for that.

"We are very disappointed but this is racing and sometimes it is good and sometimes it is bad. However, we believe we are moving in the right direction and now we will have to work hard for next year."