Trulli Rules Out Beating Ferrari

Although the Japanese squad had expressed their confidence in beating Ferrari prior to the last two races, the Italian team have increased their advantage after Toyota had a poor Belgian and Brazilian Grands Prix.

Now Ferrari are 17 points ahead of Toyota with just the Japanese and Chinese Grands Prix left.

"After what happened in Brazil we consider closed the matter of third in the Constructors' Championship," Trulli told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Ferrari have a 17-point advantage - a lot. So, with nothing to lose, we've decided to throw in the fight this car, which we consider a good base for next year.

"Testing went well so we'll use this car in the last two Grands Prix of the season. The advantage we're expecting is to keep a more consistent rhythm in the race, because the tyre wear is better."

Trulli was cautious about predictions for next season, and believes Toyota will need a leap forward if they are to fight at the front.

"I've yet to try the 8-cylinder engine but the programme is well advanced, even though at the moment no one has precise reference points," he added. "It's hard to say now if we'll be able to fight for the title; we'd need another step forward to be able to compete at the same level with Renault, McLaren and Ferrari."

And with Toyota expected to switch to Bridgestone tyres next year, Trulli has played down fears that they might struggle using the Japanese rubber.

"Is it a step into the unknown? No, because even if Michelin this year won everything, in the past Bridgestone did too," he said. "I don't see why they shouldn't rise back, now that they have three top teams at their disposal to develop tyres."