By Nick Sparkes
May 16 2006

As ever, the TotallyToyotaF1 message board erupted with calls for the team to sack race driver Jarno Trulli after another disappointing showing. Indeed, the team have also been putting question marks upon the Italian and his lack of pace. But now Ralf Schumacher has come out in Jarno’s defence. Ralf Schumacher is on a long-term contract with Toyota, thus is expected to remain with the team for at lest another year. Sadly the same can’t be said for his teammate Jarno Trulli, who is currently without a contract next year although says he has had plenty of offers and is currently talking to Toyota about 2007. But after another disappointing race which saw Jarno finish out of the points again this season, its become clear that his current employees are becoming a tad frustrated with the Italians lack of results.

This has promoted rumours that Juan Pablo Montoya, Nico Rosberg or even Toyota tester Ricardo Zonta could partner Ralf next season. But Ralf has downplayed any such change, telling ‘Express’: ''I am assuming that nothing will change and both of us will stay.''

A driver announcement is expected later this year.