Toyota returns to Formula One with Haas
Toyota are returning to the pinnacle of motorsport for the first time since 2009 after signing a technical partnership with the Haas F1 Team that begins immediately.
Haas has confirmed that it will enter into a collaborative relationship with Toyota Gazoo Racing, the motorsport competition and research and development division of Japanese automotive manufacturer.
Under the new multi-year agreement both parties will share expertise and knowledge, as well as resources – with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing providing design, technical and manufacturing services, while MoneyGram Haas F1 Team will offer technical expertise and commercial benefits in return.
Toyota will provide design, technical and manufacturing services to Haas, while Haas will offer technical expertise and commercial benefits in return, with the American team noting that "with an objective to advance MoneyGram Haas F1 Team’s development and competitive element within Formula 1, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will further develop its own knowledge and skills in a variety of areas through its involvement with the team competing at the leading edge of global motorsport."
Toyota enjoys a rich and storied history in motorsport dating back more than 60 years, while it’s current-day efforts, through TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, include front-running entries in the FIA World Rally Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship.
The partnership will start at the United States Grand Prix, which will take place 18-20 October, with the Toyota branding set to be present on the VF-24s of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen from the Texas round.
“I’m hugely excited that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing have come together to enter into this technical partnership,” stated Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team.
“To have a world leader in the automotive sector support and work alongside our organization, while seeking to develop and accelerate their own technical and engineering expertise – it’s simply a partnership with obvious benefits on both sides.
"The ability to tap into the resources and knowledge base available at TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, while benefiting from their technical and manufacturing processes, will be instrumental in our own development and our clear desire to further increase our competitiveness in Formula 1. In return we offer a platform for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to fully utilize and subsequently advance their in-house engineering capabilities.
“I’m naturally pleased that we’ve had the support of the likes of Formula 1 and our long-term partner, Scuderia Ferrari – who we announced our further continuation with earlier in the season, in the formation of this new technical partnership – designed to achieve continued success in our Formula 1 endeavors.
"Together with Gene Haas, I’d specifically like to thank Stefano Domenicali (CEO – Formula 1) and Fred Vasseur (Team Principal – Scuderia Ferrari) on that front, and with Toyota I’d like to thank Akio Toyoda (Chairman – Toyota Motor Corporation), Tomoya Takahashi (President – GAZOO Racing Company) and Masaya Kaji (Project Manager – GAZOO Racing Company).
"Everyone at MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is looking forward to the collaborative results of this new relationship, we can’t wait to get started and fulfil our combined ambitions.”
Commenting on the announcement, President of GAZOO Racing Company, Tomoya Takahashi said: “We are pleased to announce that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing have concluded a basic agreement to enter a technical partnership such as Haas vehicle development. We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Gene Haas, Mr. Ayao Komatsu, Mr. Stefano Domenicali (CEO – Formula 1), Mr. Fred Vasseur (Team Principal – Scuderia Ferrari), and all our existing partners of the team for their exceptional cooperation and understanding in this collaboration.
"By competing alongside MoneyGram Haas F1 Team at the pinnacle of motorsports, we aim to cultivate drivers, engineers, and mechanics while strengthening the capabilities of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, and we desire to contribute to motorsports and the automotive industry.”
