Many paddock insiders are questioning, is Toyota planning an F1 comeback, after a few of the behind-the-scenes happenings on the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka this weekend.
TRENDING: How to APPLY for a sensible ID on-line in South Africa
McLaren surprised the Japanese GP paddock yesterday by saying the signing of Ryo Hirakawa as a reserve driver in 2024. This transfer prompted many to ask, is Toyota planning an F1 comeback, presumably as an engine provider or companion of McLaren?
TOYOTA PLANNING AN F1 COMEBACK?
Hirakawa at the moment races for Toyota Gazoo Racing within the World Endurance Championship (WEC), successful the 24 hours of Le Mans final 12 months, and Super Formula in Japan. Fascinatingly, Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, was with Hirakawa at Suzuka, together with a number of high Toyota officers.
ALSO READ: Beat fuel-price hikes with these in style HYBRIDS underneath R500k
One of them was former Williams-Toyota driver, Kazuki Nakajima, who’s now vice chairman of Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe. And, when requested about Toyota planning an F1 comeback, Nakajima instructed reporters, “I can’t go into too much detail.” Here is what the livery of a Toyota F1 comeback may appear like, because of the liveries pictured by Daniel Crossman on X.
MCLAREN PARTNERSHIP
“It is true that we communicated with McLaren. They wanted to know what kind of driver Hirakawa was and that’s how the story started. As Morizo (Toyota chairman Toyoda) mentioned, we were able to realise the idea of drivers first,” mentioned Nakajima.
ALSO READ: What’s the NEW adjusted COST to resume your car license?
“There is no doubt that the issue of reserve driver was a sudden development. When he drove the (McLaren) simulator, he showed something even better than expected. Things clicked and now it’s coming to fruition,” Nakajima concluded.
ALSO READ: WHY UK delaying the ICE ban is sweet for South Africa
As is usually the case with giant Japanese firms, they are going to solely lend assist to a staff if a Japanese driver is concerned within the setup. The identical is true for Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull/Alpha Tauri/Honda. Toyota planning an F1 comeback shouldn’t be completely inconceivable, because it’s the one main race sequence worldwide Toyota shouldn’t be taking part in.
ALSO READ: SA automobile modifier WOWS abroad present with distinctive BMW E9
Toyota final competed in F1 between 2002-2009, leaving the game amid the worldwide monetary disaster. In 123 Grands Prix Toyota secured 8 podiums and nil wins. – with GMM
What do you consider Toyota planning an F1 comeback? Be positive to share your ideas with our viewers within the feedback part beneath. Send an e-mail to information@thesouthafrican.com.
Or you possibly can WhatsApp us on 060 011 0211. And don’t overlook to comply with us @TheSAnews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook for the newest updates.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES FROM RAY LEATHERN
Source link
