As we here at automoto365.com explained earlier this month, if testing is anything to go by, the Panasonic Toyota Formula One team looks to be in trouble as the 2007 season approaches as they struggle to make the new Bridgestone rubber work over one lap while still trying to find the necessary pace to match their rivals.(click here)

The Cologne based squad’s regular driver, Ralf Schumacher has now put his fears about this situation into words, the German driver hoping that they will find some sort of resolution to the problems they are facing at the final pre season test in Jerez this week, however he has already accepted that they are facing a difficult season.

"There is a gap to the front that we must now work hard to close,” Reuters quote him as saying. “There is no point trying to hide it, but in all probability we are going to have a difficult year. I would be looking forward to the season more if we had fewer problems to solve."