F1: Tomita set to depart Toyota

[Rory Phoulorie]

Thursday 26th April 2007

Toyota team principal Tsutomu Tomita is set to vacate his role at the Japanese manufacturer in a sweeping management reshuffle.

Toyota have been at pains to stress the normality of the process, calling it standard procedure for overseas senior executives.

Insiders however feel that the company have been looking for a fresh start following what has been a poor start to their 2007 campaign.

Tomita said in a team statement: "Since 2002 I have been involved in Toyota's Formula One project which has been one of the most challenging and exciting periods of my career.

"In fact the detailed preparation for entry into Formula One started more than four years before we entered our first race. I would like to thank all of those involved in Toyota, F1, at our sponsors and of course at Toyota Motorsport who have welcomed, helped and encouraged me as I have faced this challenge."

Toyota have not managed a podium finish this season, but Tomita remains optimistic that the team can turn their fortunes around.

"I am looking forward to celebrating Toyota's first victory in F1 which I believe will happen sooner rather than later, based on the technological capability and competent team of people which has and is being established in Cologne."

Tomita's is to be replaced by compatriot Tadashi Yamashina, who has been the F1 team's vice chairman since December last year.

"Tomita san has been involved in a number of Toyota's motorsport activities throughout his career including F1 from its very beginning," said Yamashina.

"He has been one of its central pillars over the last two decades and I am both proud and pleased to succeed him. I will continue the challenge he has pursued over the past years with the same courage and applying vigorous creativity as we strive to become a winning team in the world's most severe and demanding motorsport, F1.

"Tsutomu is part of Toyota's Formula 1 heritage and we will remain in close contact with him."

Tomita is set to return to Japan although it remains unclear in what capacity he will be employed.


http://www.planet-f1.com/story/0,18954,3213_2088734,00.html

[Rory Phoulorie]