Toyota sorry 'for not achieving their targets'

Wednesday 4th November 2009

Toyota President Akio Toyoda has offered his "deepest apologies" to the team's fans after they failed to reach their targets in F1.

The Japanese manufacturer announced its withdrawal from the sport on Wednesday, saying the "the current severe economic realities" gave them no option but to pull out.

Despite having one of the largest budgets - estimated to be in the region of $300 million, Toyota failed to win a single grand prix during its eight seasons. The team, though, did claim three pole positions and 13 podium finishes.

Toyoda told a news conference in Tokyo: "This was a difficult but ultimately unavoidable decision. Since last year with the worsening economic climate, we have been struggling with the question of whether to continue in F1.

"I offer my deepest apologies to Toyota's many fans for not being able to achieve the results we had targeted."

Team principal Tadashi Yamashina is hoping Japanese drivers Kazuki Nakajima, who is out of race seat after Williams opted not to offer him a new contract, and Kamui Kobayashi - who drove for Toyota in the final two races of the season - will still be driving in other teams.

"If possible, I will let Nakajima and Kobayashi race in other teams as the two have reached such high levels," Yamashina said.

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