The Cologne-based team have one of the biggest budgets in Formula One but in their three seasons in the sport so far have yet to make the breakthrough as regular points scorers, let alone podium challengers.

Schumacher is excited by the prospect of helping Toyota progress and revealed brother Michael and Ferrari’s domination of the sport helped make up his mind where to drive after leaving Williams.

He said: “It will take some time no doubt but on the other hand you tell me a team you can go to and win a world title apart from Ferrari.

“They are a very young team and it is very interesting to be able to join and be involved a lot more and have a better chance of success.

“It had nothing to do with their location in Germany, it is just that the possibilities at this young, huge team – they have good people and a good budget and there is clearly something to come.”

Schumacher is raring to get back in to a Formula One cockpit, having already missed three races due to the injuries he suffered at Indianapolis.

He wants a return in Hungary in three weeks and that cannot come soon enough for BMW engine chief Mario Theissen.

Theissen said: “I have to say, I strongly want Ralf to be back in the car in Hungary and if this is possible, if we get clearance from the doctors, he will do that.

“If not, we will take a decision no more than one week before the race who will be in the car.

“It is not my job now to say he will be in the car. Frank Williams will think about it and in the end it is his decision.”

Williams technical director Sam Michael has reassured Theissen everything is in place for Schumacher’s return – as long as the German can convince doctors he is fit enough.