Mike Gascoyne leaves Toyota?

[Wizzo]

Toyota's 2006 season has taken an unexpected turn for the worst, 2 days after Ralf Schumacher took their first podium of the year, the teams Technical Director, Mike Gascoyne has walked out, although not confirmed by Toyota themselves.
 
Rumors indicate that its due to a 'major management reshuffle', after Toyota experienced a very frustrating start to their 2006 season. Everything looked okay over the Australian Grand Prix weekend, where both cars qualified in the top ten, with Ralf going on to take third place. But, it seems the celebrations have been put on hold as unconfirmed reports suggest that Mike has left the team.

We await confirmation from Toyota... 

[Wizzo]

Toyota have suspended technical director Mike Gascoyne indefinitely over a “fundamental difference of opinion”.

A statement read: “Due to a fundamental difference of opinion with regard to the technical operations of its Formula One team, Toyota Motorsport has suspended Mike Gascoyne until further notice.

“Toyota Motorsport will not make any additional comments on this matter at this time.”

With large manufacturers like Toyota and BMW etc involved with the sport they will take on a different attitude to the likes of McLaren and Williams. The manufacturers will be looking for a high return on their investment and I fear they become impatient when all does not go their way.

As we all know F1 is unpredictable sport and the manufacturers are not used to 'not knowing whats going to happen next', I believe this is one of the reasons BMW split with Williams.

 

[Wizzo]

Toyota and their technical director, Mike Gascoyne, have reached a mutual agreement which will see both parties terminate their working relationship with immediate effect. Gascoyne will remain a fully contracted employee of Toyota Motorsport until the end of October 2006.

[Wizzo]

Mike Gascoyne's shock departure from Cologne-based Toyota has been welcomed by the biggest selling newspaper in Germany.

Daily tabloid 'Bild' ran a by-line on Thursday claiming that the Briton's return to the UK will be 'Good for Ralf (Schumacher)' and derided the former technical director as Toyota's 'chief failure'.

Reporting that 43-year-old Gascoyne earned $10.8 million per year, and calling his departure 'long overdue', the article read: ''The road has now been cleared for Ralf's first Toyota win.''

Renault boss Flavio Briatore was quoted as once saying: ''When (Mike) left (the Renault team), we got faster.''

'Bild' said Gascoyne commuted in a private jet to Cologne from his English home. ''(It will be) good for Ralf that Gascoyne is to remain on the island,'' Thursday's article read.

'The Island'  The Cheek of it!
Gascoyne was being paid $10.8 million, he must have been doing something right.