Yahoo Autos Toyota Returns to Formula 1 Through Technical Partnership with Haas
Toyota is officially back in Formula 1 after a 15-year absence, thanks to a new technical agreement signed with Haas.
As part of the multi-year agreement, Toyota's Gazoo Racing (TGR) motorsports division will "share expertise and knowledge, as well as resources."
The deal marks Toyota's first time in the sport since it departed in 2009 after eight seasons as a works team and engine supplier.
Toyota and Haas F1 Team has struck an agreement that sees the automaker's motorsports division become the team's official technical sponsor. The deal is effective immediately, with branding from Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) set to appear from next week's United States Grand Prix onward.
As part of the multi-year agreement, TGR will "share expertise and knowledge, as well as resources" with Haas in a much-needed influx of cash for Haas, which is F1's smallest team. According to a release by Formula 1, TGR will provide Haas with design, technical, and manufacturing services, while Haas in turn will provide technical expertise and commercial benefits for Toyota.
Despite the new partnership, Haas will remain a Ferrari customer team and will continue to buy parts from the Italian team.
The deal marks Toyota's first time in the sport since it shut down its own works team 15 years ago. After eight seasons as a works team and engine supplier, Toyota tallied 13 podiums and achieved a best finish of fourth in the constructors' championship. The team was shut down in 2009. TGR currently competes in numerous motorsports series around the world, including the FIA World Rally Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship, Nürburgring 24 Hours, Dakar Rally, and multiple customer series.
While the new agreement doesn't include Toyota returning as an engine supplier, Tomoya Takahashi, the president of Gazoo Racing Company spoke highly of the deal. "By competing alongside MoneyGram Haas F1 Team at the pinnacle of motorsports, we aim to cultivate drivers, engineers, and mechanics," Takahashi said.
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