It seems we all agree that Ralf is overrated, at least in terms of salary.
But I feel he's also "over-bashed" especially on internet. Let's not forget that, as much as we can mock him, or fisico and some others, those guys would certainly make the best of us bite the dust in any type of race. They are formula one drivers after all. Plus, those "often mocked" drivers are most of times the nicest guys of the field, and most of times show signs of self-doubting. Which means bashing them is a bit cruel. (lol I sound as a moralist, yet I'm often the first one to bash them)
Concerning his comments, I don't think he said that to the press on his own. He was probably told to say that type of things by his manager, Just like Giancarlo told he was confident for the title a few times ago. Don't forget also this press release occurs just after he made some bad comments about the car, speaking about "a catastrophic preparation to the season". Toyota obviously didn't like it, so now it's time for ambitious comments and arrogance, to boost the team mood and it's image, one week away of first GP.