Jarno Trulli feels he is now a better driver than at any stage in his Formula One career.
Trulli stepped onto the podium for the first time in just over three years on Sunday by claiming third place in the French Grand Prix behind a Ferrari one-two spearheaded by Felipe Massa.
It was also Toyota's first podium since Ralf Schumacher was third in Australia in April 2006, and a fitting tribute to the memory of former team principal Ove Andersson.
The Swede, the founding father of Toyota Motorsport in Europe, was killed in an accident just under a fortnight ago competing in a vintage rally in South Africa.
For Italian Trulli, now 34 and a veteran of 188 grands prix, he could not be happier with his current form which sees him lying seventh in the drivers' standings with 18 points.
"I think every year I'm driving better and better, and now I'm driving better than ever," said Trulli.
"We know today we can't realistically fight for the podium, but after yesterday's qualifying, inside my mind, I had the feeling I had a little chance and I had to go for it.
"With the experience I have, and with the hard head I have, I just went for it.
"I really wanted to give my best, to show people are wrong when they say I'm not so strong in the race.
"I've had many good races in the past, but unfortunately we've not had the pace in the car, and sometimes I've been very unlucky.
"But I've always been focused to achieve the target I want, and I believe now I'm driving very well with all my experience.
"I can get things together much easier, whilst the team today has a very good atmosphere and is moving on with a car which seems more balanced, quicker than last year and more competitive."
Paying his respects to Andersson, and dedicating the podium to him, Trulli added: "Today was important for many reasons.
"It was important for the team, for the motivation, for the fact that we wanted to pay tribute to Ove who did great things for Toyota Motorsport in general.
"It's a shame we lost him right now, that he couldn't see us and cheer for us up on the podium because we had a perfect weekend, from me and the team.
"It was just fantastic and gives everybody a great boost for the rest of the season."
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