Car manufacturer Toyota will be pulling out of Formula One, according to Japanese media reports. The company lost 461 billion yen last year, their first loss in more than 60 years, and are forecast to lose 750 billion yen this year.
Toyota is the last Japanese manufacturer after Honda pulled out earlier in December 2008.
This leaves F1 with just three manufacturers – Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault.
Despite spending an estimated US$300 million a year, the Toyota team has never won a single race since they began F1 in 2002. Their drivers finished eighth (Jarno Trulli) and 10th (Timo Glock) in the drivers’ championship.
Timo Glock finished second in a rare podium finish for the Toyota team at the 2009 Singapore F1 Grand Prix. (Photo © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports file picture)
Alright Les, I’m not an F1 maniac, just follow it casually. But it does seems like the “manufacturer” that you are referring to are the engine builders, because there will only be Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Cosworth providing the engines, as of now.
As for “car manufacturer”, I think you are referring to the chassis, which are develop by each team individually.
So it’s a bit like the teams will build the external frame themselves, and get the engine from their supplier and fit it in.
@nameless: I think some of the teams have mercedes and BMW engines. Can’t remember which. I don’t follow F1 closely. I think ‘car manufacturer’ as I understand it refers to manufacturers who mass produce vehicles.
Eh, Les…
“This leaves F1 with just three manufacturers – Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault.”
These three are in 2009, and is expected to be in for 2010 as well. But you miss the Cosworth manufacturers, who are making a return after withdrawing in 2006.
@nameless: Cosworth manufacture cars? I thought just engines. The statement refers to car manufacturers. Sorry I wasn’t clear.
When is Cosworth returning? 2010?