TOYOTA TO WITHDRAW FROM F1

Tokyo-TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces it plans to withdraw
from the FIA Formula One World Championship (F1) at the end of the 2009 season.

TMC, which had viewed its participation in F1 as contributing to the prosperity of
automotive culture, remained dedicated to competing at the pinnacle of motor sports,
even in the face of the abrupt economic changes that started last year. However,
when considering TMC's motor-sports activities next year and beyond from a
comprehensive midterm viewpoint reflecting the current severe economic realities,
TMC decided to withdraw from F1.

TMC leaves F1 having compiled 13 podium and 87 point finishes over eight
challenging seasons since 2002 with Panasonic Toyota Racing, a full-constructor team.
It views its time in F1-in which teams put forth their best efforts to fiercely compete at
racing's highest level-as an irreplaceable experience that provided an opportunity to
develop both human resources and its R&D operations. TMC expresses its deepest
appreciation to its F1 fans and others for their warm support.

TMC also wants to express its heartfelt gratitude to all Panasonic Toyota Racing
drivers to date and to all Toyota Motorsport GmbH employees who have helped make
the team's achievements possible. TMC intends to do its best to find a solution for
those parties who will be affected by any inconvenience this decision may cause.

Drawing on its experience in F1 and other motor sports, TMC intends to move forward
in developing exciting production vehicles, such as the Lexus "LFA" supercar and
compact rear-wheel-drive sports cars. In motor sports, it will not only race in various
categories, but will also actively contribute to further development of motor sports by
supporting grassroots races and planning events in which it is easy for people to
participate.

I heard that Renault are expecting to leave as well, at the end of 2010?

So after 2010 there'll be about three teams competing...with no tyres

Theres more than enough teams trying to fill their places, there will be more teams next year than there are now, and thats with 6 or 7 applicants knocked back, and there will always be a tyre company willing to sell to them.

Just cmon and give Adelaide back the GP, we have the better track :P