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[FerrariFan63]

Japan is suffering hugely in the depression. Can their involvement in F1 survive?

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/88ce8ed4-02f4 ... ck_check=1

[darwin dali]

Japan is suffering hugely in the depression. Can their involvement in F1 survive?

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/88ce8ed4-02f4 ... ck_check=1

I've always had the impression that Japan doesn't have F1 in their blood as much as other traditional F1 nations. So, I wouldn't be surprised if Toyota eventually calls it quits...

[bud]

What is the financial state of Toyota and not Japan as a whole atm?

[Jag Racing]

Not too sure on their current status, but they were always one of the bigger spenders in years gone by, regardless of their grid spots

[digitaleye]

What is the financial state of Toyota and not Japan as a whole atm?

Well, in 2008 Toyota Motor Corp posted its first loss in over 70 years. If that doesn't turn around soon I imagine they will be out of F1.

[Jensonb]

HONDA selling their team has made it more difficult for Toyota. It's likely the top brass would like to be seen to significantly outlast their rival.

[McLaren Fan]

If I were running Toyota, 2009 would the last chance for the Formula One team to get its act together. They've been whinging for years that if the regulations were opened up, they'd be a force to be reckoned with. If they don't have a decent 2009, then they never will, and should leave.

[EwanM]

If I were running Toyota, 2009 would the last chance for the Formula One team to get its act together. They've been whinging for years that if the regulations were opened up, they'd be a force to be reckoned with. If they don't have a decent 2009, then they never will, and should leave.

If they leave, 18 cars. (no guarantee for USF1).
Whether you like them or not. They are good for the sport, even if just to make up the numbers.

[McLaren Fan]

It's got nothing to do with me liking Toyota are not. It's to do with looking at the evidence rationally. That you think they should be in Formula One only to make up the numbers says a lot about Toyota's standards as a team. They're an embarrassment and represent everything which is bad about Formula One.

[EwanM]

It's got nothing to do with me liking Toyota are not. It's do with looking at the evidence rationally. That you think they should be in Formula One only to make up the numbers says a lot about Toyota's standards as a team. They're an embarrassment and represent everything which is bad about Formula One.

I'd agree that they have underachieved massively for years, but i'd rather have them in the the sport than out. Their car looks good this year so far... it's early days but they may have a decent season.

[glock09]

I think Toyota should hang around for a couple more years yet. The whole future of Formula One is looking increasingly uncertain at this moment in time; it could quite conceivably be the case that by 2012 some of the other manufacturers have pulled out of F1 (I'm thinking BMW and Renault especially). Honda have already gone and Toyota start the year with a good car that is nearly as quick as the Ferrari on long-runs. They have two good drivers in Trulli and Glock as well, so I think it'd be very disappointing if they quit at this stage.

[cap-dude]

Well all the teams annouced at the FOTA that their all committed to F1 until... erg. I forget, but Toyota are 100% committed over the next few years. So they'll still be here for a while. Toyota have a massive pockets anyways, they can easily survive. Honda could've survived as well, they just needed to be seen saving money. Honda leaving has simply set off alarm bells and sent everyone into this state of paranoia.

Besides, if there's any team you have worry about in terms of committment to the sport, it's Renault. Seeing as they don't make as much money, they've got ING pulling out, they've threatened to pull out before, the credit crunch is effecting them, and who knows. They could have another poor season this year.