By The Offsider
November 4 2009

As we had first revealed yesterday afternoon, Toyota is leaving F1. Now they have confirmed it.

We had already revealed yesterday HERE about the decision, so the announcement comes as no surprise.

Toyota statement follows:

'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.'

Toyota confirm pull out!

Discussion started by BMW Sauber F1 (IP Logged), 04/11/2009 09:39

BMW Sauber F1
04/11/2009 09:39

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soarq
04/11/2009 11:25

Who will miss another corporation which didn't treat Formula 1 as a sport? I won't certainly.

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sessions
04/11/2009 15:26

I'm mixed but soraq has a good point. I like the idea of just independents but I worry if they can carry on financially in a money troubled world. If the big manufacturers can't absorb loses how can the smaller teams.
It really signals that caps and technical experimentation expenditures will have to really be established and adhered to in order to survive it all.
Will we start to see the beginning of a watered down version of F1 in the near future ?

sessions

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Bogs
04/11/2009 16:13

Will there be a live feed of the top Toyota F1 brass during the Hari Kari ceremonies? I would expect at least 2-3 of these highly spiritual ceremonies. Would be interesting to watch!

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sessions
04/11/2009 16:46

I'd switch on Swedish steel to commit Hara Kari because they may pull the Japanese steel out before the deed is done !

sessions



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:11:04:16:52:18 by sessions.

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Challenge
04/11/2009 16:57

Bogs, they have started already. Look at Toyota CEO Yamashina during today's conference:




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:11:04:16:57:50 by Challenge.

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sessions
04/11/2009 18:39

That's because he was given a new Yaris company car.
It is sad to see a grown man weep.
Yarno and all the others are feeling the hurt also.
Sad.

sessions

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barteks
04/11/2009 18:41

video: [url][/url]

2008 Prediction Champion

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Bogs
04/11/2009 20:45

Quote:

Challenge
Bogs, they have started already. Look at Toyota CEO Yamashina during today's conference:

That is awesome!!!

Where is the live feed????

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barteks
04/11/2009 21:13

One post above

2008 Prediction Champion

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Raid Phoenix
04/11/2009 21:18

Priceless!

the video and especially the photo!

Racing against the machine!

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Bogs
04/11/2009 21:43

Just watched the video! Right around the 40 second mark it is obvious that a sword is slowly being inserted into the guly from below the table! He takes a deep breath and then cannot speak anymore!!

Who's Hari Kari ceremony is next???

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pgj
08/11/2009 23:51

Has Sauber been confirmed now as the thirteenth Team?

Everything seems to have gone quiet and I wondered if anyone had any information from contacts close to the team.

Williams and proud of it.

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Raid Phoenix
09/11/2009 20:29

Not yet pgj. Until the Toyota future (that they aren't going to sell the team) is fully clarified to the FIA, Sauber won't get the spot.

But no worries, it is extremely likely that Sauber will get the spot.

Quote:

Bogs
Who's Hari Kari ceremony is next???

Someone from Renault...Briatore!
Well, actually it will be Britaore carrying the sword, the victim being Goshn, presumably.

Racing against the machine!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:11:09:20:30:31 by Raid Phoenix.

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Raid Phoenix
09/11/2009 20:57

Ah, found the exact quotes from Howett:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/f1/story/0,,3213_5684169,00.html

Racing against the machine!

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Raid Phoenix
12/11/2009 11:47

Toyota trying to sell their car design:
http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2009/11/12/a-shortcut-to-success-in-f1/

Racing against the machine!

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