Toyota teams up with Haas
Toyota is returning to Formula 1 after a 15-year absence in a partnership with the US-based Haas team.
The car manufacturer, which withdrew its own team from F1 at the end of 2009, has become Haas’ technical partner.
A statement issued by Haas and Toyota states they will be sharing expertise, knowledge and resources.
The idea is for Toyota to provide “design, technical and manufacturing services”, while Haas will give “technical expertise and commercial benefits”.
Haas will continue to use Ferrari engines after extending its contract with the Italian team until 2028. That deal was signed earlier this year.
Tomoya Takahashi, president of Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), says the company wants to “cultivate drivers, engineers and mechanics” as part of its deal with Hass.
Haas team principal, Ayao Komatsu, adds: “To have a world leader in the automotive sector support and work alongside our organisation, while seeking to develop and accelerate their own technical and engineering expertise – it’s a partnership with obvious benefits on both sides.
“The ability to tap into the resources and knowledge base available at TGR, benefiting from their technical and manufacturing processes, will be instrumental in our own development and desire to further increase our competitiveness in F1.
“In return we offer a platform for TGR to fully utilise and subsequently advance their in-house engineering capabilities.”
Toyota's return to F1 marks a major step for the company and sport. It withdrew from F1 after eight years running its own team from 2002-09. The team, which was believed to be the best-funded in F1 at the time, failed to win a race.
There will be Toyota branding on Haas vehicles at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, from October 18-20.
