Zoom FOTA lose another manufacturer

The Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) expressed its sadness that Toyota has decided "to withdraw from Formula One and be absent from the 2010 World Championship."

The group hailed Toyota's podium finishes and contribution to the sport over the last eight years, but also recognised that the current economic situation makes it difficult for major car manufacturers to invest in such a demanding sport.

"Regrettably, notwithstanding Toyota's commitment to compete until 2012 deriving from the signature of the Concorde Agreement, the particular financial pressures within the car manufacturing industry - together with a period of uncertainty and unnecessary confrontation in F1 that is now finally over - created conditions which have made it difficult for Toyota to stay in the sport at this time," a FOTA statement read.

Following Honda's departure last December and BMW's announcement made earlier this season, Toyota is the third carmaker to cease its Formula One programme in less than a year.

That has not been lost on FOTA, which – although insisting the sport remains strong – called on F1's governing authorities to continue with its efforts aiming at reducing costs in order to keep carmakers racing next to independent teams.

"These efforts should include ensuring that the 2010 grid remains fully subscribed - and we should remember that there are still more teams entered than in any year since 1995 - that our sport remains a focus for technological innovation and competitive racing. The departure of an important car manufacturer cannot be underestimated and its reasons need to be addressed," FOTA stated.

"Every effort must be made by the sport's management to ensure that the 2010 season is as successful as we all hope."

The FOTA members also "send sincere messages of goodwill to all at Toyota – staff, drivers and sponsors – and thank them for the positive contribution they have made to Formula One in recent years."

Toyota boss John Howett acted as the group's Vice Chairman; the teams praised the work he accomplished this year during the difficult showdown between FOTA and the sport's governing body, the FIA.

"FOTA also wishes to put on record its thanks to John Howett for his great passion and his fundamental contribution, in his role as Vice Chairman of FOTA, in helping negotiate the new Concorde Agreement, securing longer term stability in F1's rules and a more constructive, collaborative environment with all stakeholders."

Daniel BASTIEN
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