Toyota unlikely to overtake Ferrari, says Gascoyne

Toyota are unlikely to oust Michael Schum-acher's Ferrari from third place in the Formula One constructors' standings, according to technical director Mike Gascoyne.

Explaining why the team had decided to introduce a heavily-revised car for next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix and the following season-ending race in China, Gascoyne said there was little to lose.

"There is an inherent risk with all the unknowns involved in two 'flyaway' races, but we feel that fourth place in the constructors' championship is secure after Brazil and it's unlikely that we will be able to challenge for third," he said.

"So, bearing that in mind, we think it's worth taking the risk and if we get a good result in Japan maybe we might be able to push for third at the final race in Shanghai."

Toyota, enjoying their best season since they entered Formula One in 2002, have 81 points to Ferrari's 98. Williams, whose cars crashed out at the start in Brazil last weekend, are in fifth place with 59 points.

Renault and McLaren are fighting for the championship, with McLaren two points clear. Renault's Spaniard Fernando Alonso has already won the drivers' title.

Although Ferrari are struggling this season, the Italian team showed a marked improvement in Brazil and Schumacher has won six times at Suzuka.

Toyota's Ralf Schumacher and Italian Jarno Trulli both tested the TF105B car in Jerez last week.

"The car felt good. I think it suits me better and has addressed some of the issues that I had found more difficult with the standard car during the season," said Schumacher.

Trulli, who has been particularly strong in qualifying, had more reservations.

"For me the choice was a bit more difficult because I don't necessarily get more out of the car over one lap," he said. "But over a long run, the car is more consistent, has more potential and should prove quicker over a race distance."

Gascoyne said spare parts were in short supply for the revised car but the team could always revert to the old version in the event of a crash.