Trulli predicts difficult season

The Japanese squad, with one of the biggest budgets on the grid, scored their first podiums in Formula One last year and they have set themselves the target of winning races this season.

But Toyota have been lagging behind their rivals in winter testing, while Renault, Honda and McLaren have been topping the times quite often.

And with a few teams looking competitive enough to fight at the top, Trulli believes the year will not be easy.

"So far Honda and Renault have been very quick, although McLaren proved their speed," Trulli told autosport.com. "I think Honda and Renault look very strong at the moment.

"Toyota have worked hard and we will carry on working hard but it will not be an easy season. We have done the home work but it is going to be very tough."

The Italian driver, however, reckons things will improve for Toyota when the temperatures get higher at the season-opening race in Bahrain.

"We have done a lot of testing and we feel we are ready to go racing, to see how we are in a competitive situation," Trulli said. "Also, in racing condition the temperature will be so different to what we have now and it will have a big effect on our performance. It will help us a lot. 

"I think we will make a big step forward throughout the season."