Toyota targets fifth in 2004

Toyota finished eighth in the Constructors' standings this year, just its second in Formula 1, although it was in contention for fifth until the final race of the year.

"Common sense tells me we should be quite pleased with what we have achieved this season, but my ambitions tell me that we should have achieved more," said Andersson. "In my mind, we are still lacking experience, but that is something that only comes with time.

"We should be aiming to improve on our qualifying positions next season, looking to the top six or eight on a regular basis and convert that into tangible race results, something we have not been able to do in 2003. We were comparatively close to fifth in the Constructors' Championship this season, so in my opinion, this should be within our reach in 2004."

John Howett, Toyota Motorsport's president, added: "The ambition for us is to become a top team as soon as possible. I think that whatever the results are, we need to be able to fight with the top four or five teams. It doesn't mean to say that's where we need to qualify or finish, but we need to demonstrate that we can push them.

"This year we are beginning to hang onto their tails, if not consistently. Next year we've got to be more consistent and try to mix it at the top."

Andersson confirmed that, when F1's winter testing ban ends later this month, Toyota will hit the tracks with a modified version of its 2003 machine, dubbed the TF103B, that will feature a new engine and gearbox.