Trulli positive despite handling issues

The Japanese team were the first ones to launch their new car, unleashing the TF106 for running at Barcelona this week.

At the end of last season, Trulli experienced front-end sensitivity with the TF105B, which hampered his corner entry speed, and the Italian suffered similar issues in his first test with the new car.

The Toyota driver, however, was confident the situation will be improved and hailed a positive start for the new car from the Japanese squad.

"In general it was very positive," Trulli said. "I was extremely surprised by the car handling and the engine power and the general feeling of the car. In the straight away the car was correct. It was running well and it was competitive. A very good start.

"I still have some problems with the front suspension. I have the same feeling as at the end of the season, but I am positive and confident as the engineers are bringing some parts to solve it and are already working on that for the tests," said the Italian.

The test was also the first time Toyota were on track with Bridgestone tyres, having switched from Michelin after the end of the 2005 season.

Trulli was pleased with he Japanese rubber's performance.

"It was a very good, very positive start," he added. "We have done several laps when we have been consistent, reliable. The first feeling has been good.

"We still have some problems with the front suspension in terms of respond. But I am confident as the engineers are already working on these matters since a long time for fixing at the tests. We hope to solve this before the first race."