Panasonic saves Toyota from an early F1 exit

Tadashi Yamashina, Toyota Motorsport GmbH Team Leader, admitted that, in the face of the current global economic downturn, Toyota executives are contemplating the pullout of the team from Formula One.

The operating losses of Toyota last year was really discouraging, and it was only through Panasonic’s contract extension as team sponsor through 2012 that saved it from an early F1 exit. Although Panasonic does not really look financially good itself, it is encouraging to hear that it is committed to stick it out with Toyota for the cause of Formula One. Toyota’s TF109 seems to be doing good on the test track according to pre-season test figures.
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JUGNU - 3/19/2009 9:33:11 AM

+2 Boost

This year's Toyota showed great potential in pre season testing. I hope Toyota not only scores their first win but mix it up with the Ferraris and BMWs. Also new Honda(Brawn GP) is showing great speed.

Interesting season ahead of us.

JUGNU

HSCenterconsole - 3/19/2009 10:58:46 AM

+1 Boost

JUGNU, don't forget about Mclaren-Mercedes and Lewis.

hyundaifansdotcom - 3/19/2009 12:03:01 PM

-2 Boost

I hope Toyota really starts winning. They have been in the sport long enough to at least have 3 to 4 wins per season.

xlr8 - 3/19/2009 12:26:33 PM

+2 Boost

I dont understand why toyota is in f1... they make no sports cars??? Maybe psuedo sports cars in form of lexus but why spend billions on f1 and then not make any sports cars... it boggles the mind.

Baby - 3/19/2009 12:55:26 PM

+2 Boost

Simple.... Because they can~

andraz - 3/19/2009 5:11:48 PM

0 Boost

but so far they have failed miserably. Even with the biggest budget and most possibly the biggest backup when it comes to the size of the brand and its company size.

woood - 3/19/2009 9:42:13 PM

+3 Boost

Because they can afford to.....

Anthony - 3/19/2009 6:30:11 PM

+2 Boost

F1 clearly is not the top priority of Toyota as a whole. They are more focused on selling cars. So far, it seems to be working out well, sans global depression.