Toyota, RBR, confirm last minute tests

(GMM) Despite the fact that the final group test of the winter ended in Bahrain on Thursday, Toyota and Red Bull have confirmed that they plan to test again prior to shipping cars to Melbourne for the 2007 season opener.

Most outfits wrapped up their winter programs in the Arabian Gulf, but Cologne based Toyota announced in a statement that it will run next week at Spain's Jerez circuit.

The news follows suggestions that, although with probably the biggest budget in the paddock, Toyota's new TF107 contender is the slowest of the manufacturer-backed teams.

"Obviously we have some issues to sort out," Ralf Schumacher admitted, "but we will work hard at that next week."

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, meanwhile, confirmed that the RB3 would reappear for two days at French GP venue Magny Cours next week, but appeared to play down suggestions that the test was organized to trial last-minute updates for the 2007 car.

"As planned, the RB3 will run with the new aerodynamic package that will be used in the first race in Melbourne," he said.

For short 'shakedown' tests, at least three other European venues will also see action next week.

Toro Rosso plans to debut a second STR2 at Mugello, Spyker a third F8-VII near its Silverstone base, and Ferrari at the Fiorano track.

Prior to the Malaysian GP, the next major test will then take place at Sepang between March 27-29.