Toyota to withdraw from F1
11-04-09, 01:59 PM
#31
only positibe thing from this is that they could use that money to help bring sporty products on both Lexus and Toyota side, which will probably do more for their image than F1. Although I have to say, competing in F1 did a lot for Toyota imagine in eastern europe when Toyota was previously largely unknown vehicle manufacturer.
11-04-09, 02:06 PM
#32
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Akio said in the press conference that Toyota will be competing in "various" motorsport categories in the future. Also word is that the team's equipment and facilities will not be allowed to be bought by anyone. I can only assume the F1 human resources, equipment, and facilities will be used for other Toyota motorsport activities.
11-04-09, 02:17 PM
#33
Akio said in the press conference that Toyota will be competing in "various" motorsport categories in the future. Also word is that the team's equipment and facilities will not be allowed to be bought by anyone. I can only assume the F1 human resources, equipment, and facilities will be used for other Toyota motorsport activities.
Of course, $300 million is nothing for actually developing an vehicle, but it is a big safety margin for all these vehicles, because all of the mentioned above is money losing/image boosting product.
nevertheless, i am still dissapointed with them leaving the F1. Latest news is that Renault is now holding emergency meeting about their future F1 plans.
As to the other motorsport activities - what is left on europe wide scale? F1 is winding down, WRC is almost dead... there are touring championships and there will surely be new Celica in them, but that has really limited audience.
11-04-09, 02:44 PM
#34
Much as I dislike Bernie Ecclestone who runs F1 it is in rude good health, with new circuits opening in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, China and Valencia, with a further race planned in India in 2011. Over 600 million people watch each season and despite the withdrawals of Toyota and BMW there are at least four new teams looking to join for next season.
Toyota's mistake was setting up in Germany instead of using the existing expertise available in the UK. As it was they could have raced for another 5 years and they'd have never got a win.
Toyota's mistake was setting up in Germany instead of using the existing expertise available in the UK. As it was they could have raced for another 5 years and they'd have never got a win.
Last edited by Big Andy; 11-04-09 at 02:50 PM.
11-04-09, 02:49 PM
#35
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if they can use this money to bring back celica, mr2, supra and special versions of their standard vehicles, expand TRD/TF1 offerings, then yeah, it is a good thing.
Of course, $300 million is nothing for actually developing an vehicle, but it is a big safety margin for all these vehicles, because all of the mentioned above is money losing/image boosting product.
nevertheless, i am still dissapointed with them leaving the F1. Latest news is that Renault is now holding emergency meeting about their future F1 plans.
As to the other motorsport activities - what is left on europe wide scale? F1 is winding down, WRC is almost dead... there are touring championships and there will surely be new Celica in them, but that has really limited audience.
Of course, $300 million is nothing for actually developing an vehicle, but it is a big safety margin for all these vehicles, because all of the mentioned above is money losing/image boosting product.
nevertheless, i am still dissapointed with them leaving the F1. Latest news is that Renault is now holding emergency meeting about their future F1 plans.
As to the other motorsport activities - what is left on europe wide scale? F1 is winding down, WRC is almost dead... there are touring championships and there will surely be new Celica in them, but that has really limited audience.
11-04-09, 03:08 PM
#36
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Video of Akio crying in making the announcement of Toyota's F1 withdrawal. A very sad and emotional moment. You can see how sincerely committed to the sport the man is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT6BFB_Nmy0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT6BFB_Nmy0
11-04-09, 03:18 PM
#37
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Video of Akio crying in making the announcement of Toyota's F1 withdrawal. A very sad and emotional moment. You can see how sincerely committed to the sport the man is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT6BFB_Nmy0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT6BFB_Nmy0
That is not Akio Toyoda; that is Tadashi Yamashina, the Toyota F1 team's team principal. Obviously he is very sad and emotional, since he was the one who was in charge and ran the team the last few years.
11-04-09, 03:22 PM
#38
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I don't see pics of Tadashi Yamashina often so...
11-04-09, 03:23 PM
#39
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Here is a quote from Toyota's press release:
Interesting that the press release mentions sports cars plural, as in more than one car. That hints at more than just the FT-86 for the Toyota brand in the future to come.
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.
11-05-09, 11:16 AM
#40
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Renault may follow Toyota out of F1
Renault prepares to quit F1
Renault is holding an extraordinary board meeting today to discuss its future plans in Formula One.
Toyota pulled out of the sport earlier today and although Renault appears to be more committed than the Japanese squad, Toyota’s decision could allow Renault an easy escape route should it wish.
Renault’s reputation was tarnished earlier in the year after it admitted fixing the result of 2008’s Singapore grand prix. Driver Nelson Piquet agreed with engineer Pat Symonds and team principal Flavio Briatore that he would deliberately crash, and the resulting circumstances allowed his team mate Fernando Alonso to take victory.
It lost title sponsor ING as a result of the scandal, but watch maker TW Steel has been lined up as a replacement next year.
The firm has also signed Robert Kubica as its lead driver for next year to replace Fernando Alonso, who is moving to Ferrari.
Renault is expected to clarify its position in F1 later today.
Renault is holding an extraordinary board meeting today to discuss its future plans in Formula One.
Toyota pulled out of the sport earlier today and although Renault appears to be more committed than the Japanese squad, Toyota’s decision could allow Renault an easy escape route should it wish.
Renault’s reputation was tarnished earlier in the year after it admitted fixing the result of 2008’s Singapore grand prix. Driver Nelson Piquet agreed with engineer Pat Symonds and team principal Flavio Briatore that he would deliberately crash, and the resulting circumstances allowed his team mate Fernando Alonso to take victory.
It lost title sponsor ING as a result of the scandal, but watch maker TW Steel has been lined up as a replacement next year.
The firm has also signed Robert Kubica as its lead driver for next year to replace Fernando Alonso, who is moving to Ferrari.
Renault is expected to clarify its position in F1 later today.
11-05-09, 12:21 PM
#41
as much as i hate to see Toyota go, Formula 1 will be pretty interesting next year...and hopefully more competitive. more teams than this year, no refueling, no more KERS (thank god), and a US based team (yesss), plus the high possibility of a new Canadian Grand Prix.
im in to watch
im in to watch
11-29-09, 09:04 AM
#42
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According to AMuS (Google translation)
*The future of the Toyota team to be decided next week.
*Zoran Stefanovich has been offered the whole car for next season, they want about 200 of the staff, could stay based in Cologne for two years.
*Toyota have about 40 engines in stock. They would charge $5 million for engines for the season. Stefan GP have about $50 million so far for the team.
*Kobayashi has backing from Toyota for the tune of $5 million.
*If Toyota do not have an entry next year they have an agreement with Ecclestone - they would have to pay him $150 million
*The future of the Toyota team to be decided next week.
*Zoran Stefanovich has been offered the whole car for next season, they want about 200 of the staff, could stay based in Cologne for two years.
*Toyota have about 40 engines in stock. They would charge $5 million for engines for the season. Stefan GP have about $50 million so far for the team.
*Kobayashi has backing from Toyota for the tune of $5 million.
*If Toyota do not have an entry next year they have an agreement with Ecclestone - they would have to pay him $150 million
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