The global economic crisis dealt a fresh blow to Formula One racing Tuesday as Toyota Motor pulled out of hosting the Japanese Grand Prix at its Fuji Speedway circuit from next year.
The economic downturn has made it “extremely difficult” to continue to stage the event, Toyota-owned Fuji International Speedway Co., which operates the circuit, said in a statement.
The race track, in the foothills of Mount Fuji, hosted the Japanese Grand Prix for the first time in 30 years in 2007 and had been slated to host the 2010 race as the 16th leg of the 18-round Formula One series.
From this year, the Japanese race had been due to …Â Details
• Four-times Dakar Rally winner says ‘time has come for change’
• Finn has received positive responses from FIA member clubs
The former world rally champion Ari Vatanen is considering standing against Max Mosley if the Briton seeks re-election as president of motorsport’s world governing body, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile.
“At the moment I am consulting the member clubs and am already seeing positive feedback,” said the 57-year-old Finn, a four-times Dakar Rally winner. “I am considering standing. I think the time has come for a change. I would go for it, even if not sure of winning.” … Details
In ‘Surprise of the Decade,’ a Formula One Dynasty Collapses Amid Rule Changes
In 1929, Enzo Ferrari started the venture that bears his name to race cars, not to sell them. And he definitely didn’t start it to finish fourth.
But that’s where Ferrari stands now, a distant fourth, as the Formula One season passes the halfway point on Sunday with the German Grand Prix. The top team in F1 history, and arguably the only dynasty in a major sport today, is in the midst of a shocking collapse.
The Scuderia Ferrari team—winner of eight team championships in the past 10 years—can hardly compete this season, let alone win. The best showing by either of Ferrari’s drivers through eight races was a third-place finish. Which happened once.
“They’re basically not competitive,†says former Ferrari driver Mario Andretti … Details
F1’s governing body reportedly selected only new teams with no ties to car manufacturers to make their Grand Prix debuts in 2010.
Britain’s Daily Telegraph cites disgruntled bosses who missed out in the FIA’s selection process as alleging that only a commitment to independent engine supplier Cosworth ensured a spot on next year’s grid.
US F1, Manor and Campos, all to be powered by Cosworth, were included on the 2010 entry list, despite more established names including Prodrive and Lola also applying to race.
It is believed some of the rejected teams planned to …Â Details