Toyota interested in signing Kubica and Raikkonen

Oct 2, 2009, 9:02 GMT

Suzuka, Japan - The Toyota Formula One team is looking to strengthen its driver line-up for the 2010 season by signing up the likes of Robert Kubica and Kimi Raikkonen.

Toyota motorsport president John Howett said Friday in Suzuka ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix that he was 'very interested' in Kubica and that Raikkonen was 'always' a favoured target of the Japanese carmaker.

Ferrari announced Wednesday that it was replacing Raikkonen with Fernando Alonso for the 2010 season and while the Finn has yet to reveal his plans for next year, it is believed the 29-year-old will return to former team McLaren-Mercedes.

BMW-Sauber driver Robert Kubica is expected to take Alonso's place at Renault.

Toyota made their F1 debut in 2002 but have yet to win a race and current drivers Jarno Trulli and Germany's Timo Glock have yet to receive options to drive for the team next season.

Howett revealed Friday that Trulli was very unlikely to stay and while Toyota have allowed an option on Glock to lapse, there is still a chance he could retain his seat for next year.

'He could still be in the car next year but we wanted to keep our options open. And if we didn't release him by a certain date, we would be fixed for 2010,' said Howett.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Howett also dismissed talk that Toyota might not compete in F1 in 2010.

'I'm sure we're going to be here next season,' he said. 'We're working flat out on the 2010 car.'