Toyota to unleash TF106B at Monaco

Toyota will debut its new B-spec TF106 at next weekend's Monaco Grand Prix. The Cologne-based team has given the car a thorough four-day test at Paul Ricard this week, at which it proved itself to be reliable and ready to race.

"We have completed a lot of miles with the new car," says Toyota's senior general manager, chassis, Pascal Vasselon. "It is an improvement in many areas, particularly at the front of the car and in the way it uses the Bridgestone tyres, and it will be used in Monaco by both Jarno and Ralf."

The introduction of the new car comes on the back of a promising weekend at last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli qualified sixth and seventh (above), their best joint qualifying performance of the year, and, although neither car finished in the points, the team was encouraged by the showing.

"We really surprised ourselves in qualifying," says Schumacher, "because we didn't even know what to expect. We didn't run new tyres on Saturday morning and were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves comfortably inside the top 10. With the new car we can hope for even better things."

The TF106B had its first shakedown at Paul Ricard prior to the European Grand Prix three weeks ago. Both Schumacher and Trulli drove the car and commented on its improved stability, and their comments have now been echoed by test drivers Olivier Panis and Ricardo Zonta this week.

Toyota is expected to have three B-spec cars available for Monaco, but it will also take a standard TF106 as its second reserve chassis.