Ferrari will be 2007 favourite - Trulli

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London, England - Ferrari will start the 2007 season as favourite for the Formula 1 title despite Michael Schumacher's retirement, according to Toyota's Jarno Trulli.

Trulli told the Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper: "Whoever drives for them will have a big advantage.

"I don't think the departure of Schumacher or technical director Ross Brawn will change much - even Felipe Massa can win with the current Ferrari."

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen will move from McLaren to replace Schumacher in 2007; he will join Massa, winner of his home season-ending grand prix at Interlagos, while Renault's double World champion Fernando Alonso will take Raikkonen's place at McLaren

'I don't think the departure of Schumacher or Brawn will change much' - Trulli
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Trulli's only win was with Renault in 2004 when he was team mate to Alonso; he said he was desperate to get back on the podium after a disappointing 2006.

Toyota was the most improved team of 2005, when it finished fourth with 88 points. The team scored only 35 points in 2006 and finished a disappointing sixth.

Trulli signed a new three-year contract this season; he said: "We suffered from the switch from Michelin tyres to Bridgestone � and then there were reliability problems.

"I believe in Toyota's potential but we need to quicken our step. And I hope that the birth of my son Marco marks a turnaround in my own fortunes," he added, referring to the recent birth of his second child.

"I'm desperate to get on the podium." - Reuters

Source: http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=756&fArticleId=3526877