TOYOTA

RR: Are Toyota looking good for 2006?

NDR: Well Ralf Schumacher is trying to re-invent himself this year it seems, but that won't last for too long me thinks. Trulli says he is a good racer, and he can be, but on the odd occasion. Both need to stop deluding themselves and work at self improvement. Lot's of that Japanese Kaizen. The car is looking good, an evolution of 04 and 05 Mike Gascoyne versions, but it might only suit one driver as it did Trulli last year, and then when it was in this years spec it suited Ralf, so that cannot be good for Constructors points. This is why they will never make it as a championship contender - this year at least. They need Kimi and a number 2.

RR: That could be a controversial point there, but when the TF105B car was introduced at Suzuka last year, Ralf did have a clear advantage. Still one of the surprises of last year, I never expected Toyota to finish fourth in the championship and challenge for podiums. They've done a grand job.

NDR: Neither did I. I saw them at Spain and was particularly impressed. They looked good. And they were much more consistent. Don't mistake what I say, Toyota are a strong team, but winning Championships is a year or two too early. Race maybe, races a possible fluke and we'll have to see. Podiums a definite I would expect, but then this season could be one of the most competitive than for years. 

RR: Id agree with that, I'd say at least 5 teams look capable of race wins this year and Toyota is certainly one of them.

NDR: Especially with a possible Williams resurgence, Red Bull, Honda, Ferrari, McLaren, Renault and maybe BMW all looking pretty strong.

RR: Exactly, its looking competitive, and I think Toyota will definitely be in with a shout, the new engine rules have certainly evened things out a lot, and I think Toyota have benefited. Lets not forget that both drivers know how to win races, they just need the car.

NDR: And it seems they have reliability and development resources.

RR: Definitely, they have already produced a brand spanking new aero package for Bahrain, altering the look of the car radically. Given what they have done so far, they have to be taken seriously.

NDR: That was impressive to hear, I have to admit. They already have a B-Spec car scheduled too. Spain I think, or something like that. I forget now but that's beside the point really isn't it. At the end of the year they could be up amongst the best of them.

RR: Yeah, they're really taking it seriously, and seem more committed than many of the other teams, as the development proves. But is Trulli a proper race driver rather than a supreme qualifier? And is Ralf capable of Michael-style performances?

NDR: Ralf on occasion, but I am thinking more to 2003 than anything, maybe 2001 and 2002 as well. Trulli is so fast in qualifying - look at Belgium last year in sector 2 - he was outstanding after Pouhon. That shows definite commitment, but he just doesn't have the consistency or the will or whatever. It is Trulli an issue, excuse the pun, and I used to give him benefit of the doubt, but it seems is that the Trulli train seem to piss people off more than it should.  Strategies are being made with that in mind, and races ruined because of it.

RR: Indeed the 'Trulli Train' that was an infamous feature of last year really, and that altered the outcomes of a few races. But I think Trulli is a capable racer, and I would certainly have him in my team ahead of Ralf. But I think Trulli is part of Toyota's future, and I cannot understand why Ralf is being paid more, even if he did eventually come out ahead of Trulli in the championship last year.

NDR: Ralf needs it for a sense of personal value more than anything. Being second highest paid driver is not justified though. But being paid less than Ralf hasn't hurt Jarno too much though.

RR: In Formula One, results are everything, and I think Trulli is more likely to get it. But Will Toyota win in 2006?

NDR: Like I said before. 1 Race maybe. Multiple - pushing it but still possible. Championships - remains to be seen but on the basis of my current thoughts I will say strongly no, not yet, they are not quite ready for it.

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