By Nick Sparkes
April 5 2006

It has been confirmed that Mike Gascoyne, Toyota’s Technical director, has been suspended until further notice. Gascoyne joined the team at the end of 2003 and overlooked the teams climb to the top, helping the team to record their most successful season to date in 2005. But, a difficult start to their 2006 season has seen a management reshuffle at Cologne and Toyota Motorsport in Tokyo. Many high-profile members are expected to be shifted, or in the case of Gascoyne “suspended”.

A statement put forward by Toyota confirmed Mike’s departure; “Due to a fundamental difference of opinion with regard to the technical operations of its Formula One team, Toyota Motorsport has suspended its Technical Director Chassis, Mike Gascoyne, until further notice. Toyota Motorsport will not make any additional comments on this matter at this time."

It’s been rumoured that Pascal Vasselon is being lined up to replace Gascoyne, who now looks to be out of a job. But, McLaren and BMW will surely be some of a number of teams after his services. Although Mike has never produced a championship winning car, only a car good enough for race victories, his reputation and respect in the Formula One paddock should win him many friends as Toyota plan to do the rest of the job without him.