By Nick Sparkes
December 2 2005

Ralf Schumacher got into the new TF106, as well as the using the new Toyota V8 engine for the first time this week. The German felt the new V8 engines were “very drivable” and stated the new TF106 was “really good” as the team gets its 2006 testing underway. A small engine blow up, which caused Ralf’s ex-team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya to spin on a batch of oil, didn’t dampen the German’s first experience. "Obviously, it's lower on power," he started, "but still a very good engine with a nice torque curve and very driveable."

Ralf was also full of praise for his new TF106; “It felt really good and I was happy with the (Bridgestone) tyres as well - they didn't feel that much different - even if there's a long way to go with a lot of work."

You might be wondering why the German is in such a pleasant mood. Well, its rumoured his contract has been extended till 2009, on a wage bill of roughly $16.5 million a year, meaning by the end of 2009, Ralf would have clocked up $83 million from his Toyota contract. Lets hope he pays Toyota back with a couple of wins and world championships!