The TF106 was officially launched on 14 January 2006 in France.[1] After a highly successful 2005 season, hopes were high that Toyota would be a force in the 2006 season. However, from the off it was clear that this was not to be. In Bahrain, neither driver made it through to the pole position shoot-out, indeed Ralf Schumacher failed even to make the second round. This bad form continued for some months with the only highlight being Ralf's podium in Australia, which remained the team's best result that season.[2] At Monaco a B version of the car was introduced but the effect was not immediate and it was not until Canada that Jarno Trulli scored his first points of the season.[3][4] Toyota finished the standings in 6th place with 35 points, 2 spots lower than in 2005, when they scored 88 points.[5]
