Toyota team principal Tadashi Yamashina is confident his team are heading in the right direction after a year under his leadership, even if the 'big three' continue to dominate.
The Japanese manufacturer has already scored more points this year than they did throughout the entirety of last season.
Veteran Jarno Trulli has claimed 12 points, whilst Timo Glock was finally off the mark with his fourth place in Canada nine days ago.
However, it is over two years since a Toyota driver finished on the podium, with Ralf Schumacher third at the Australian Grand Prix in April 2006.
Now in their seventh year in Formula One, Toyota has never won a Formula One grand prix, despite the millions invested.
That remains the goal for Yamashina, who celebrates a year in charge this weekend, but he knows that may yet be some way off.
"We always dream of the centre of the podium, and we will never give up," said Yamashina. "But when you look at car performance you can see there is a gap to Ferrari, McLaren and BMW Sauber.
"Therefore my current target for this year is to continue to close this gap, to finish races in the top six and fight for the podium."
Yamashina firmly insists he is "confident for the future of the team."
He added: "Every team member must ask themselves constantly how they can increase performance in their role, no matter what their position is.
"It is my job to achieve this, and after a year in my position I am confident we are heading in the right direction."