Full Toyota statement on its F1 withdrawal

Wednesday 4th November 2009

The Toyota Motor Corporation has released the following statement following its decision to leave Formula One.

'Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces it plans to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship (F1) at the end of the 2009 season.

'TMC, which had viewed its participation in F1 as contributing to the prosperity of automotive culture, remained dedicated to competing at the pinnacle of motor sports, even in the face of the abrupt economic changes that started last year. However, when considering TMC's motor-sports activities next year and beyond from a comprehensive midterm viewpoint reflecting the current severe economic realities,TMC decided to withdraw from F1.

'TMC leaves F1 having compiled 13 podium and 87 point finishes over eight challenging seasons since 2002 with Panasonic Toyota Racing, a full-constructor team. It views its time in F1 - in which teams put forth their best efforts to fiercely compete at racings' highest level - as an irreplaceable experience that provided an opportunity to develop both human resources and its R&D operations. TMC expresses its deepest appreciation to its F1 fans and others for their warm support.

'TMC also wants to express its heartfelt gratitude to all Panasonic Toyota Racing drivers to date and to all Toyota Motorsport GmbH employees who have helped make the team's achievements possible. TMC intends to do its best to find a solution for those parties who will be affected by any inconvenience this decision may cause.

'Drawing on its experience in F1 and other motor sports, TMC intends to move forward in developing exciting production vehicles, such as the Lexus 'LFA' supercar and compact rear-wheel-drive sports cars. In motor sports, it will not only race in various categories, but will also actively contribute to further development of motor sports by supporting grassroots races and planning events in which it is easy for people to participate.'

Your Comments

andrewkd

"Brent, on a technicality, you are wrong about Ferrari.

John Barnard when he joined the team in 1987 or 88 was allowed to set up the entire design team base in England. I am not sure if Enzo approved this, or if it happened after he died."

Fanoff1

"Brent Your correct

OneFishFace Your correct.

So why are we still waiting for a 2010 race at silverstone and a return to the US, instead of technical mirages in the sand???

At this rate we'll be back to brabam vs chapman with the odd bit of latino flair thrown in,,,, HOLD ON STOP THE PRESSES, It;s BACK TO THE FUTURE V !!!

Those days were great but thats not now."

Brent

"Onefishface Ferrari have never been based in England. They employed alot of Englishmen, as have all F1 teams. England is also the chief benefactor of F1. There is almost no English money supporting F1, yet they have the high paying, high tech manufacturing and jobs for most teams. When were Ferrari not competative when they won the constuctors in'07, '08 or this year when they finished 4th one point behind McLaren."

ronniepilgrim35

"brent, i think you have a good point... we need tha classic venues, we need a race in argentina, in the us, in south africa and not the tilko-droms we have nowadays... but the greedy little man cant see that, can he?"

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