Schumacher (left) and Trulli pose with the new Toyota F1 car

The German, half of an all-new driver pairing with Jarno Trulli, underlined his confidence for 2005 at the unveiling of the new car in Barcelona.

"There are a lot of capable people at Williams but it's still a very small company," said Schumacher.

"A lot of F1 is about finance power and Toyota is a far better option."

Williams have not won a world championship since 1997 and have struggled to keep pace with Ferrari.

"At Williams, it all depends on two people - Frank Williams and Patrick Head - and they are not the youngest any more and don't have a manufacturer behind them," said Schumacher.

He will make his Toyota debut at the Australian Grand Prix on 6 March and has set his new team a target of mid-season to get themselves on the podium.

"After a long period in a different team, going to a totally new place is a new challenge," said Schumacher.

On 23 January we are going to do something we have never done before John Howett Toyota Motorsport director

"But if everything runs to plan, from mid-season there should be an opportunity to get on the podium."

Schumacher is adamant that success will only be a matter of time.

"It's a great challenge for me. You have to say if you look at it closely there is potential but it will take time," he said.

Italian team-mate Trulli also said Toyota would become a threat.

"They have very high potential, so it's a question of time and a bit of experience but I'm sure they will get to the top soon.