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[myownalias]

I hope that Kobayashi does remain in F1 as he is a most exciting prospect, putting the other rookies in the shade in two races. Everything we have heard so far is nothing more than speculation; Toyota's budget will be slashed considerably but may remain in F1 if they have an up and coming Japanese driver. Kobayashi does have a lot to learn but seems to have a lot of natural talent; at least in a Formula 1 car, a very exciting prospect for the future. Admittedly before now I hadn't cared much for Toyota remaining in F1 but now I want them to stay; Kobayashi has the potential to be a front runner given a decent car; it's a shame that Nakajima got the nod for the Williams drive!

[darwin dali]

Super Aguri gone, Sato gone, Honda gone, Fuji gone, Naka gone, Toyota gone, Kobi gone(?), Bridgestone soon to be gone - Japan is going to be gone, gone, gone from F1

[Big Azza]

Super Aguri gone, Sato gone, Honda gone, Fuji gone, Naka gone, Toyota gone, Kobi gone(?), Bridgestone soon to be gone - Japan is going to be gone, gone, gone from F1

Oh no!? Are you implying that Nakajima is staying???

[darwin dali]

Super Aguri gone, Sato gone, Honda gone, Fuji gone, Naka gone, Toyota gone, Kobi gone(?), Bridgestone soon to be gone - Japan is going to be gone, gone, gone from F1

Oh no!? Are you implying that Nakajima is staying???

Huh? I said Naka gone!

[Big Azza]

Ah... I see.

[Amanda]

The BBC are reporting it as official now. Toyota held a news conference at 0800 GMT.

Toyota has confirmed that it has pulled out of Formula 1 after posting its worst ever financial loss.

The world's largest car manufacturer is leaving the sport to concentrate on its core business and cut costs.

The Japanese team has not won a grand prix since making its F1 debut in 2002 and finished fifth in the constructor championship this season.

Williams announced last month that it would be replacing its Toyota engine with a Cosworth for next season.

Honda has already left F1 and Toyota's withdrawal leaves the sport with no Japanese team.

Toyota's demise could pave the way for Sauber to return, should they be able to secure new funding following BMW's decision to pull out of the sport.

BMW took over Sauber in 2005 and held an 80% stake in the BMW Sauber team, but they rejected a takeover offer from founder Peter Sauber in August.

That meant Sauber was unable to sign the new Concorde Agreement, that governs F1 racing, outlining how the sport is run and how its revenues are distributed, in time to compete in 2010.

Long-term Toyota driver Jarno Trulli was second in last month's Japanese Grand Prix, equalling the team's best finish to a race, which they achieved on four other occasions.

Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi joined Trulli for the final two races of the season after regular driver Timo Glock was injured.

Germany's Ralf Schumacher, France's Olivier Panis and Britain's Allan McNish have also all driven for Toyota over the years.

Japanese tyre firm Bridgestone announced on Monday that it would not be renewing its contract to supply F1 after its current deal runs out at the end of the 2010 season.

More to follow.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsp ... 341602.stm

[Hexagram]

I heard on the radio this morning it had been made official. A pity really but expected.

[Gilles 27]

Yup, it's on Autosport this morning. Bye

[bud]

for the reason of variety it is sad to see them go, but it F1 is going back to its roots, which is racing. early this decade it was being used for car makes as a marketing tool. it was apparent that they wouldnt stay around for long! its why teams such as Ferrari, McLaren, Williams, Sauber, Brawn etc that exist to race and race alone are key to the sports future! its good to see Sauber get the go ahead now just hope their funding is all 100% sorted.

[Hexagram]

for the reason of variety it is sad to see them go, but it F1 is going back to its roots, which is racing. early this decade it was being used for car makes as a marketing tool. it was apparent that they wouldnt stay around for long! its why teams such as Ferrari, McLaren, Williams, Sauber, Brawn etc that exist to race and race alone are key to the sports future! its good to see Sauber get the go ahead now just hope their funding is all 100% sorted.

Your missing Renault.

Edit: They are the only 100% car manufacturing team left. Fairly impressive given how awful their season was on and off the track.

[bud]

for the reason of variety it is sad to see them go, but it F1 is going back to its roots, which is racing. early this decade it was being used for car makes as a marketing tool. it was apparent that they wouldnt stay around for long! its why teams such as Ferrari, McLaren, Williams, Sauber, Brawn etc that exist to race and race alone are key to the sports future! its good to see Sauber get the go ahead now just hope their funding is all 100% sorted.

Your missing Renault.

Edit: They are the only 100% car manufacturing team left. Fairly impressive given how awful their season was on and off the track.

yeah Renault doesnt exist for F1 though, so left them out on purpose!


but yeah its good that they are staying. we need variety!

[Hanwombat]

Aww

I hope Kobayashi finds a drive, he has shown great potential.

[Jensonb]

My heart goes out to all the folks who are losing jobs over this :/

[McLaren]

Always sad to see a team drop out,how many cars are we going to end up with when the 2010 season finally starts?.

[Hexagram]

Always sad to see a team drop out,how many cars are we going to end up with when the 2010 season finally starts?.

The same I'd say(the planned 26). The door has now opened up for Sauber-Ferrari (BMW).