Jarno Trulli could soon be looking for another team
Posted on 11/04/2009 12:36:58 AM PST by bruinbirdman
Toyota has quit Formula One motor racing, in a move that leaves the scandal-hit sport without any participation by Japanese automakers in the coming season.
Jarno Trulli could soon be looking for another team
The decision, which was announced in Tokyo this morning, is part of Toyota’s wider efforts to slash costs after an extraordinary board meeting held at the company’s headquarters. Toyota is already rumoured to be looking for an Asian buyer for the team.
Toyota’s pullout follows a similar decision from Bridgestone, which announced three days ago that it would stop providing tyres after the 2010 season.
That, combined with Honda’s surprise exit from the sport last year, completes the trio of withdrawals by major Japanese companies: cost is understood to be the prime concern behind all three decisions, though industry insiders said that the sport’s image is increasingly of synch with the Japanese firms’ corporate emphasis on “green” technologies.
Toyota had previously asserted that it would continue to field a team until 2012 but the continuing misery in its mainstream car business has made the F1 team too heavy a cost burden.
Their decision comes despite Honda’s visible regret at its own decision to quit the sport. When Honda sold its team last year, its new owners, led by Ross Brawn delivered constructors’ championship victory for the former Honda car and drivers championship triumph for Jenson Button. Analysts have estimated that Honda may have missed out on $255 million worth of brand exposure via its absence from F1.
Toyota’s dwindling interest in F1 was apparent last month when the company withdrew its sponsorship of the Japanese Grand Prix, which was held on the Fuji Speedway circuit that the company itself owns.
(Excerpt) Read more at timesonline.co.uk ...
Red Bull and the Brauns team kicked it out of the park but as for next year I’m looking forward to USF1!!!!
Wondering about M Waltrip and NASCAR too?
(and NASCAR in general...)
Wondering the same thing, myself.
Would serve JGR right if Toyota left 'em flapping in the wind, as far as this fan's concerned.
In related racing news, Jayski reported Fiat's dropping the entire Chrysler/Dodge line of cars in lieu of their own, re-branded under the Chrysler name. Good grief.
Exceptions being the Charger & Challenger, they say.
While I don't recall reading it, I'm guessing they'll keep the Dodge truck line.
Salient point being the company as we knew it is gone and participation in NASCAR in real doubt as evidenced by the recent RPMS switch. If Penske goes, then we'll know it's official.
Even so this move by Toyota? While it somewhat surprises me I have to say we didn't follow but a fraction of the F1A as we had in previous years. The goofy rules, the flake/owner and generally unexciting competition made watching reruns on Sunday morning of CFA via the Big10 Net more appealing.
And what of the alleged "scandal"? I knew there was a flap, but what about?? There's always some dust-up in F1A.
Big deal, what else is new. LOL
Hokey Smokes Bullwinkle... I’m sure out of the loop (NASCAR... don’t follow the open wheels).
You’re well beyond my involvement and glad that you are. The sport needs knowledgeable fans.
I kind of dropped interest when the ‘old timers’ started retiring and the cars started becoming too ‘off of the shelf’ spec’d. (worked at a GM plant where, one glorious summer, during a shutdown, we put 5 new model ‘body in white’ cars into production for NASCAR use). (no UAW funny stuff in the car either... straight clean builds!)
Sorry can’t contribute more to your post.
LOL
Well on nights ya can't sleep (not unlike this one?) try www.Jayski.com for everything NASCAR. Just click on the venue (Cup, Nationwide (formerly Busch), Trucks whatever it's called, now) and you'll get all there is. Who's doing what etc. Of course the info's purified for consumption. After all Jayski was bought out & now owned by ESPN. If ya know what I mean? LOL
"You’re well beyond my involvement and glad that you are. The sport needs knowledgeable fans."
Thanks, but if things continue to head in the direction the France brats are taking the sport? I may opt out, become a voluntarily ignorant ex-fan. ;^)
"I kind of dropped interest when the ‘old timers’ started retiring and the cars started becoming too ‘off of the shelf’ spec’d. (worked at a GM plant where, one glorious summer, during a shutdown, we put 5 new model ‘body in white’ cars into production for NASCAR use). (no UAW funny stuff in the car either... straight clean builds!)"
Excellent. My kind of times, not this COT baloney. In fact the latest flap's now that Taledega is too dangerous! Cars go too fast yadayadayada. Well for crying out loud make the designs that of "stock cars" we see in showrooms and they won't be able to GO 200MPH. Good grief. Can't fix stupid, just can't.
"Sorry can’t contribute more to your post."
You did better than anyone else. LOL!! ;^)
Re: the Formula One photo with this article:
“Over the line, Smokey, over the line!”
That doesn’t apply?
“...we see in showrooms and they won’t be able to GO 200MPH.”
anecdotal: As a youngster, worked at a Dodge/Chrysler dealership (leasing dept). The Dealership was alloted (1) each Dodge Daytona and Plymouth Superbird.
Both went to Arabian students at school in Boston (within a couple of days).
It was worth working there to see them come in. Young kids, male & female (well dressed, Americanized). Not pretentious, but aware of there status. Sometimes, almost trying to play it down.
Many other cars went out too.
Good times, thanks for reminding me of them.
Talledega:
Watched it. No bump/draft in corners? Who said it after a wreck? We’re drivers, why won’t NASCAR let us drive? Brought up past drivers (Earnhardt — Intimidater, now how did he earn that name?)(Petty, others —late, memory)
They keep trying to slow down cars but don’t listen to the drivers. (kudos for in car transmissions... got to hear drivers being told to back off — and their gripes about it)
Seems like the best action (for race fans) is the ‘in car’, or pit strategy (pseudo fans like the wrecks). Um, well, there used to be wrecks that were part of racing too, tough call except for results.
[results meaning I really would like to see Mark Martin win. He’s gone through a great personal transition... booze to a racing gentleman].
long post, sorry. thanks for the opp.
Well, they certainly could afford the gas regardless the engine option. eh? LOL
"It was worth working there to see them come in. Young kids, male & female (well dressed, Americanized). Not pretentious, but aware of there status. Sometimes, almost trying to play it down. Many other cars went out too. Good times, thanks for reminding me of them."
You're speaking with a former Dodge guy, in the day. They built some mighty fine cars. Fast. Great styling. Just WTH happened.
"Talledega: Watched it. No bump/draft in corners? Who said it after a wreck? We’re drivers, why won’t NASCAR let us drive?"
TV ratings for nearly every single race this year have been off, sometimes considerably. Go ahead & guess why, because NASCAR hasn't a clue. And they haven't had one since Bill Sr died, turning over the operation to the 2 brats & thug we unaffectionately call Mike Hellentonio. Talk about a goon. Good grief. Smacks of organized crime, possibly of the Democrat brand for all I know. LOL
"Brought up past drivers (Earnhardt — Intimidater, now how did he earn that name?)(Petty, others —late, memory)"
The day Iron Head died, so went the sport. And as nice a kid as Jr is, he ain't got the stuff of his father. No fond thoughts toward Sterling Marlin from this fan, y'know?
"They keep trying to slow down cars but don’t listen to the drivers. (kudos for in car transmissions... got to hear drivers being told to back off — and their gripes about it)...Seems like the best action (for race fans) is the ‘in car’, or pit strategy (pseudo fans like the wrecks). Um, well, there used to be wrecks that were part of racing too, tough call except for results."
Agreed, but we'll be damned if we're going to pay more than the $80 p/mo we're presently paying DircTV for the in-car. Bad enough scads of ambiguous "cautions" all for the purpose of running countless ads. And they wonder why their ratings are in the tank, eh? LOL
"[results meaning I really would like to see Mark Martin win. He’s gone through a great personal transition... booze to a racing gentleman]."
Would love to see MM win his first and only crown. Especially since he was so close with Roush only to have JGordon beat him by what, a mere 6 points.
Class guy Mark, a fading breed.
That he'd an *issue* with the juice, now that *I* didn't know. His public image is that of a gym rat. So you told me something, here. LOL
"long post, sorry. thanks for the opp."
I'll get over it. ;^)
Have a good one, y'hear?
Gonna try to get some sleep, again. LOL
A NASCAR driver did a couple over/nose/butt/flips and walked away last weekend. He has a degree.
The best engineering cheaters are employed in other countries.
They aren't designing COT cars (aerodynamics are involved and that is partly how the COT evolved).
A back east friend's son built a car from parts. A LOT of electronic innovation and a bit of nitrous for a graduation project.
He was scooped up by Ratheon before graduation.
He's keeping us safe (unless 0bama gets involved ???)
Believe your post was positive?
Mark
no great surprise, but very sorry to see this happen. I feel bad for Kobayashi. he has said he is out of money and without a ride at Toyota he will be working in his father’s sushi restaurant.
at least this lets Sauber back in. pretty cool he gave Heidfeld a car at Abu Dhabi.
another one bites the dust...
The article made me chuckle over the comment of “Honda’s visible regret at its own decision to quit the sport.” Their regret was generated by Jenson Button's dominance this year on the way to his drivers’ championship as well as Ross Brawn's win of the constructors’ championship, in a team previously owned by Honda. If only they'd toughed it out one more year!
Mind you, years ago it was not like Honda to pull out of any racing until they had the upper hand. Case in point: Their continued efforts in AMA flat-track racing in the late ‘70s through the early ‘80s. They kept at it until they unseated dominant Harley-Davidson for the championship. Honda did eventually pull out in late ‘88. They also forced out the privateers with their stunningly expensive replacement parts for their NS750.
Bottom line, the Asian auto manufacturers are feeling the economic pinch as much as the American manufacturers.
Plausible, if it's really about success BM.
OTOH what if it's about money?
Then all bets are off.
Ask yourselves this: Does Toyota really need NASCAR to sell Camrys? ;^)
"The Japanese have pulled out of F1 (and other venues) because of their lack of success."
I've had [that] very conversation with several automotive engineers I know who've worked not only for the formerly called Big 3, but, some of the Asian marques, today.
According to them racing participation's been all about R&D. One of the men who's with Lexus (& you know who owns Lexus, eh?) said they'd had planned a new "supercar"; however, with the tanked world economy the idea wasn't scrapped, it was put onto the proverbial "back burner". For now.
Nissan OTOH moved ahead with their Asian "Skyline" marketed here stateside as the gawd-awful expensive GT-R. What're sales numbers for the GT-R? Don't know. Do you? Bet they're not real *hot*. Just a notion. LOL
Of course you know all of what I wrote, already; so, just reminding you in an effort to bring some perspective to your comment. :^)
"The article made me chuckle over the comment of 'Honda’s visible regret at its own decision to quit the sport.' Their regret was generated by Jenson Button's dominance this year on the way to his drivers’ championship as well as Ross Brawn's win of the constructors’ championship, in a team previously owned by Honda. If only they'd toughed it out one more year!"
That was my take on the not so obvious spin, also. ;^)
"Mind you, years ago it was not like Honda to pull out of any racing until they had the upper hand. Case in point: Their continued efforts in AMA flat-track racing in the late ‘70s through the early ‘80s. They kept at it until they unseated dominant Harley-Davidson for the championship. Honda did eventually pull out in late ‘88. They also forced out the privateers with their stunningly expensive replacement parts for their NS750."
Fascinating insight my ol' friend, thank you kindly.
The modus operandi sounds awfully close to ordinary Honda car stealership service departments!! As I'd once heard G.Liddy say concerning Honda & their dealer network: "Honda will rip your lungs out for parts *&* service." LOL
We need to have these kinds of talks more often, BM. LOL
"Bottom line, the Asian auto manufacturers are feeling the economic pinch as much as the American manufacturers."
Yup, though the general public STH wouldn't know it unless they read pieces like this & connected the proverbial dots, eh? ;^)
Quite the statement from the guy who hung upside down until cut out of his car after 10 minutes.
And the chick interviewing him, after he emerged from the hospital tent, never followed up. She just asked a scripted question.
He'd have none of it, repeating about restrictor plates.
She asked about another subject, "How are you feeling?" He complained about NASCAR rules.
The chick was worthless during the best part of the telecast.
yitbos
Yeah, I also miss track side mic holders dressed up in their 'racing' suits' (silly to the point of pitiful)
It's amazing how composed most of the drivers are after being released from the field hospital facility. (getting in their sponsors after some of those whoopsies is amazing. Hope they don't wind up with 'football brains') In a way, I kind of miss the helmet throwing and 'in your face' confrontations.
I do have to give credit for the COT as far as survivability (and the HAHN -sp- harness, etc). NASCAR/drivers have made some proven changes (wall impact cushions especially).
[sorry for the delayed response... long election night!]
Ugh, they just happen to be the fastest superspeedways.
Then there's Indianapolis 500 where they are restricted, too. What happened to increased speeds every year? What happened to 237.498 mph / 382.216 km/h, qualifying one lap, Arie Luyendyk, 1996?
That's 1996 for crying out loud. Bring back the turbine engine!!
yitbos
dang, you're up and on!
Yup, bring them back and why not the 'hoover' vacuum car too? Car engineering at its best (well, maybe). Might negate the request of Newman (I think he said it) to cut the curved bank out which would require the drivers to slow.
IIRC, drivers have maintained that the plates also restrict their ability to drive OUT of a wreck. I'll leave that decision up to them...! Unlike 'you know who', this is definitely beyond my pay grade.
Personally, I don't know if I enjoy the short tracks. Too much roundy round (kind of like the past Saturday night demo derbies, just drawn out with too few chances to pass. I could be wrong.
The 'Glen'/road course races....ugh. Maybe they could use one of the 'closed for race day' courses that the FIM uses in the cities? Bring it back to it's origins of bootleg booze running! Let ALGORE throw the starting flag.
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