Toyota are making their "official" announcement any minute about their future in F1. Looks like they are definitely off, which gives BMW a route back into F1.
Musical chairs to me.
Last edited by PoisonDonna : 2 Weeks Ago at 08:02.
Actually, I'm not sure that it does... yet. The team Toyota has signed the Concorde agreement, so it has a place in F1 next year. If Toyota finds a buyer for its team, I *think* they would still get a place in F1 over BMW...
Well at the moment there is no F1 in 2011 because they haven't got any tyres! And I'm not suprised about Toyota pulling out, I'm just gutted for Kobyashi because he is such a good driver to watch. I do hope BMW get their slot.
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 racing's 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.
It's a shame And as others have mentioned - what about Kobayashi, he would've been fun to have on the grid next year!
It is a shame that yet another manufacturer has jumped the ship. I really hope another team snap up Kobayashi - I'm pretty sure that, after his performances in the last two races, one of the new teams will be interested.
But anyway, I think the tyre situation is potentially more damaging than the manufacturer situation. Bridgestone have pulled out. Pirelli have publicly announced that they are not interested. Michelin have said that they're not interested in returning to F1 (no surprise there really after Indy 2005). Goodyear have said they have no plans to re-enter F1, but did add that they would continue to evaluate the situation. However, rumour has it that Goodyear are in financial difficulties themselves and therefore you can also rule out Dunlop (since Goodyear own 75% of Dunlop). So where does that leave us? Avon? Continental?
The other big problem is that the FIA are completely against another tyre war. They want a standard supplier. However, that standard supplier is soon going to have to supply 13 teams for 19+ races a season. Imagine the costs and logistics of that. What single tyre supplier would want to take that task on board with no competition? Personally, I think this is the ideal time to bring back the tyre war. Maybe then, some of the bigger brands WOULD be interested.
Funnily enough the first thing that came to my mind when I read this was "where's Kobayashi going to go?"...he's just left such a great impression I'm already excited to see him in F1. I really hope one of the new teams pick him, as far as rookies go he's fantastic...and it's unjust to have drivers like Jaime, Grosjean and Nakajima in F1 with a driver like Kobayashi missing out.
Really sad to see Toyota leave, for one reason or another they just havn't managed to crack F1 the way a team of their size should have done. This is just not good for F1, it's not even about the money really...yes the company is going through losses just like almost every other automobile company but F1 is worth the money if the team is living up to it's Global Toyota brand reputation and winning races/championships. To be in the middle of the pack, not achieving much it's just damaging Toyota's world-class brand and for that I think with the factor of huge revenue losses, F1 just turns out to be an unneccessary cost.
If private teams can afford to be in F1 then it's just pocket money for these global manufacturers, unfortunately they're not performing. This isn't good, F1 needs to be bringing more huge global car manufacturers...like Porsche (bring them back ), Audi, Peugeot, Volkswagon...whilst keeping Toyota, Honda, BMW. I like private teams (only one or two) but they just don't bring the same extravagance to F1 like manufacturers do. Ferrari with their huge global fan base, their own theme parks, their own superstores...Honda and Toyota with their own tracks, BMW with their own motorsport divisions just like Renault - it all brings so much extra to F1.
Kobayashi has quite a fanbase here on TSR by the looks of things
He's awesome! a bit of a daredevil 'screw the rules' kind of racer...love that sort of gutsy stuff! Nowadays F1 drivers are too well behaved anyway, I'd like to see the wild antics of the 90's back it's so much more entertaining.
Hope he gets a drive for next year, he could potentially be the best ever asian driver in F1 history you never know
He's awesome! a bit of a daredevil 'screw the rules' kind of racer...love that sort of gutsy stuff! Nowadays F1 drivers are too well behaved anyway, I'd like to see the wild antics of the 90's back it's so much more entertaining.
Hope he gets a drive for next year, he could potentially be the best ever asian driver in F1 history you never know
He definitely made an impression - other drivers should really take note I so hope somebody decides to snap him up - I mean that battle with Button at Brazil when there was a c'ship at stake, didn't stop him!
Just to add to the Kobayashiness, I'd like to see him get a drive somewhere next year. Also not good news that Toyota have pulled out, and the Japanese no longer have a team!
Although I pray to god if he came in he wouldn't turn into another dullard. He had nothing to lose these last two races and everything to gain so nice moves can be pulled off.
Well at the moment there is no F1 in 2011 because they haven't got any tyres!
Yes they will. They'll just use 2009 and 2010's tyres and ban tyre changes during races Or, forseeing problems in 2011, they'll give you an allocation of tyres in 2010 that has to see you through two seasons, but that allocation's no more than you'd usually get in one season.
Oh and in similar news, Renault are going to decide soon (next couple of days I think) whether or not to stay as team owners in F1, just engine suppliers or pull out altogether. Could screw Red Bull up given that they can't have a Merc (too many teams using it), they don't like the Cosworth and STR are already using Ferraris. And there won't be any Toyotas next year.
It's sad that Toyota have decided to leave, and it certainly isn't helping the sport. Hopefully, one piece of good news that could come out of this is that it will allow BMW to have their place (I think?). I hope Kobayashi gets a drive next year, possibly with one of the new teams who may be more willing to take a risk.
Motorsport discussion forum.
Toyota Announcement at 8am
And as others have mentioned - what about Kobayashi, he would've been fun to have on the grid next year!
), Audi, Peugeot, Volkswagon...whilst keeping Toyota, Honda, BMW. I like private teams (only one or two) but they just don't bring the same extravagance to F1 like manufacturers do. Ferrari with their huge global fan base, their own theme parks, their own superstores...Honda and Toyota with their own tracks, BMW with their own motorsport divisions just like Renault - it all brings so much extra to F1.
He's awesome! a bit of a daredevil 'screw the rules' kind of racer...love that sort of gutsy stuff! Nowadays F1 drivers are too well behaved anyway, I'd like to see the wild antics of the 90's back it's so much more entertaining. 
I so hope somebody decides to snap him up - I mean that battle with Button at Brazil when there was a c'ship at stake, didn't stop him!
