Toyota's start is just Trulli amazing

FORMULA One driver Jarno Trulli is fully expecting Toyota's new lease of life to be maintained at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

Trulli has collected as many points from his first three races of this season as he managed from the whole of last year.

After finishing fourth in Malaysia and sixth in Bahrain just under three weeks ago, the veteran Italian is currently seventh in the drivers' standings with eight points.

Ahead of the first grand prix in Europe at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya on Sunday, Trulli is elated with the team's performance.

But he appreciates more hard work is required if Toyota are to push the leading trio of Ferrari, McLaren and BMW Sauber.

"I am very happy with my start to the season," remarked Trulli. "The new car has been strong, the team has worked really well and we have got the results we deserved.

"But I am not getting carried away because I know we must continue to work hard to stay in this position and, hopefully, close the gap on the top three teams.

"We had a successful test in Barcelona last week, so we should be in good shape this weekend, but the battle is so close we cannot afford any mistakes."