Ralf confirms he`s leaving Toyota

[Dare]

Ralf confirms he`s leaving Toyota
Monday 1st October 2007
 


As if you didn't see this one coming: Ralf Schumacher has announced that he will leave Toyota at the end of the season.


The German's future has been the topic of much debate of late with rumours doing the rounds that his days at Toyota are numbered. And Ralf has finally confirmed that the rumours are in fact true.


"Having been a Toyota driver in the past three years, I opted for looking for a new challenge," Ralf told his website.


Ralf joined Toyota from Williams at the start of the 2005 F1 season and had high expectations for his new team. However, in the three years they were never fulfilled.


"I joined Toyota with high expectations. On the one hand, I regarded it as a major and exciting challenge to be involved in the development of a new racing car," he said.


On the other hand, I also learned to like the Japanese style of living, during my long stay in Japan before entering Formula 1. And I still get on well with the Japanese mentality.


"But I am waiting for years for a competitive car.


"Toyota also was a nice and interesting experience - particularly the cooperation with the team, engineers and mechanics. Still, it's time now to look for a new challenge."


But despite announcing that he's parting ways with Toyota, Ralf cannot yet say who he will be racing for next season.


"I'm going to have several conversations in the coming weeks. I will announce my decision when the season is over," he said.


"For me, the financial aspect is far less important than the chance of being involved in the development of a car and being successful afterwards."

[romephius]

It almost seems like the Japanese metality of "fall on your sword" here.  It seems that Toyota might have given Ralph the 'honourable' choice of leave or be fired.

I know that is what I would have done with him.

Rom

[FW14B]

And Toyota's F1 budget has suddenly gone down by half! 

I reckon he could end up at Spyker or whatever they will be called next year due to his friendship with Mallya.

[johnbull]

And Toyota's F1 budget has suddenly gone down by half! 

I reckon he could end up at Spyker or whatever they will be called next year due to his friendship with Mallya.

Now there's a challenge for him!

[Steven Roy]

Every time I read anything about Toyota's pathetic performance in F1 I am reminded of a comment made when they initially announced they would enter.  A journalist asked somesenior Toyota person if he would be able to match Ferrari's budget.  His answer was that Toyota had enough cash in the bank to buy FIAT not just Ferrari.  That is an incredible amount of money.  Shame they don't seem to be able to make a decent F1 team out of it.

BTW
If anyone from Toyota is reading this.  Sacking Mike Gascoyne was stupid.  Really really stupid.  I hopr that was of some help.

[Steven Roy]

http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=40899

Toyota have put out a message saying that they accept his decision.

Interesting that Ralf won't talk about his future until the season is over and neither will Alex Wurz.  Are they in any way connected?

[FW14B]

No, not again.  Please let it not be that he is returning to Williams. 

[cosworth151]

Interesting that Ralf won't talk about his future until the season is over and neither will Alex Wurz.  Are they in any way connected?

I don't think Ralf has an F1 future to talk about. Sadly, I don't think Alex has, either.

[Steven Roy]

http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~1~id~155222.htm

Briatore has said that a proposal was made that Ralf go to Renault with Kovalainen going to Toyota.  Why would Renault do that?

[cosworth151]

Because Flav is an Idiot?

[raindancer]

And Toyota's F1 budget has suddenly gone down by half! 

I reckon he could end up at Spyker or whatever they will be called next year due to his friendship with Mallya.

Doubt if Spyker will have him.

[Dare]

Why in the world would Renault swap up and
coming Heikki over down and going Ralph.

This makes no sense at all.As far as Williams
I can't remember why he left in the 1st place.
Was it Ralph's or Frank's idea

[Scott]

Oh pulease - Ralf's going deerhunting.

[Alianora La Canta]

Ralf Schumacher definitely isn't going to Spyker. Adrian Sutil is contracted and it doesn't sound like Spyker are accepting offers for him. The other seat will go to a pay-driver that appeals to Vijay Mallya - so unless Ralf can figure out a way of getting Indian citizenship and leverage Indian sponsors by the end of the year, I can't see him there. Besides, I don't think Ralf's pride would accept him being a pay-driver.

The only reason I can think of for Flavio Briatore sending Heikki Kovalainen to Toyota is because Flavio has a waiting list of drivers for his team. At the last count, he was really impressed with Kovalainen (especially after the Fuji podium!). However, Flavio also wants Fernando Alonso on his team to lead a championship attack. He tends to build his team around whoever he thinks will be the lead driver, which is why Giancarlo Fisichella has suddenly re-entered the frame. Also consider that Nelson Piquet Jr. also believes he is entitled to a race seat, and depending on the contract, may or may not be. That's four drivers to squeeze into two seats. Something's got to give!

[Steven Roy]

http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~1~id~155222~pid~1.htm

“With Nelson it's a bit like with (Roberto) Moreno,” he added. “We promised him a drive, but we didn't specify in what kind of car!”

I guess that means either Piquet isn't going to drive or he may be used to keep the seat warm for Alonso for a season.