Trulli Says Toyota Will Need Time

Italian Jarno Trulli says Toyota will need time before they start winning in Formula One after three seasons of uncompetitive results.

Trulli, who left Renault last season to join the Japanese squad, made his racing debut with the Cologne-based team at last year's Japanese Grand Prix before starting his first full season with them in 2005.

"I joined Toyota because I could see that it is a team with a huge potential," Trulli said. "I was lucky to be able to start at the Japanese Grand Prix and that helped me to settle in easily and gain valuable time ahead of 2005 preparations.

"Coming from the position we finished last season, I think it is realistic to expect us to move closer to the front, but let's take things step by step. Toyota has the mentality to make it to the top, but it will take time."

Trulli will be partnered by Ralf Schumacher, who is also joining Toyota this year after leaving the Williams team. The German, younger brother of World Champion Michael, sounded upbeat about racing for the Japanese squad.

"Joining Toyota gives me the possibility to be in a team that's still young and up-and-coming," said Schumacher. "With that in mind, I was very impressed by the professional nature of the team operations when I arrived for the first post-season tests in November.

"Having the engine and the chassis built in the same factory is important because everyone is working together towards the same goal.

The fact that the team is based in Germany is an additional plus point for me personally and I believe that all these things give us the perfect combination for our future success together."

High resolution photos of the launch can be found at the Atlas F1 Photo Gallery.