New start for Toyota Motorsport

While the development of the new car of the 2010 season was about to be completed, Toyota suddenly announced his withdrawal from the F1. All the work at the Cologne factory was then reduced to nothing, leaving employees uncertain about their future. But Toyota Motorsport GmbH got back on its feet and is now delighted with its market position.

However, the transition was not easy, as Jens Marquardt, head of development, confirms. “ We faced multiple difficulties in November 2009 when our involvement in F1 ended, but we faced them with great courage and optimism. Now the hardest part is getting results. We can therefore be satisfied with our situation 12 months ago. »

Toyota Motorsport GmbH even managed to stay involved in F1 by selling the TF110 planned for the 2010 season to Pirelli, so that the Italian manufacturer could continue developing the tires that will equip the 2011 single-seaters. However, the Cologne factory is diversifying its projects .

Pascal Vasselon, the chassis technical director, seeks to apply the techniques and technologies developed in F1 in other sectors. “ Our involvement in F1 can easily be used in other development tools in the automotive sector. It?s amazing to see the reaction of experienced engineers on their first visit to the factory, when they understand all the processes we put in place. »

The technology and knowledge that Toyota engineers managed to develop in F1 allowed them to bounce back after the withdrawal of the premier single-seater discipline. Especially since the Japanese manufacturer is now in demand by several sporting disciplines.