F1 - It is still happening !

I would keep you updated on the latest happenings on F1 in between the seasons as this is where most of the interesting things happen. Some of the highlights in the recent past are,

If he doesn't land a Toyota race-seat for next year's Championship, Kamui Kobayashi could be working in his father's sushi restaurant instead of racing.
 

Having been called up to replace the injured Timo Glock, Kobayashi impressed in his two F1 races, fighting wheel-to-wheel Championship winner Jenson Button in Brazil and later claiming his first F1 points in Abu Dhabi, beating his vastly-experienced team-mate Jarno Trulli.


Now the above statement sounds reality and we will catch Kamui in his father's Sushi shop from next year on as Toyota made the following shocking announcement yesterday.

The stage of Formula One was rocked by yet another withdrawal after Toyota announced that it is quitting the sport with immediate effect.

Toyota, the only Japanese automaker in F1 in 2008 following Honda's withdrawal last year, is expected to post an operating loss for the six months ending in September and it hopes the move will help the company to slash costs.

An official statement said: "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."

The Cologne-based outfit made their Formula One debut in 2002 and participated in 139 grands prix. They failed to win race in the seven-year period, but claimed three pole positions and several second and third-place finishes.

Their 2009 line-up of Jarno Trulli, Timo Glock and Kamui Kobayashi scored 54.5 points to help the team to fifth in the Constructors' Championship.

BMW-Sauber also withdrew from the sport earlier this year while Bridgestone announced after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that it will quit F1 at the end of the 2010 season.

The Sauber outfit, who has since been bought by Qadback Investments, may yet find itself racing next year as Toyota's withdrawal opens a space on the 13-team grid.

Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso says he has "peace of mind" about his decision to join Ferrari despite their dismal 2009 Championship.




"You have to try to be optimistic by nature," he told Cadena Ser radio. "I think what makes me calm is that going to Ferrari is a synonym of quietness, because you know they are giving their best.

"It's a team and a marque born for competition and so you know they are going to give it all for their car, and you know that Ferrari is usually among the first.

"Sometimes they win titles, sometimes they don't, but they never have a year that's too bad. I think going to Ferrari is the safest option for any driver.

"Out of the 20-22 drivers no one knows what things will be like next year, it's all again a big question mark and we'll see how the new cars perform.

"But I think being at Ferrari, or McLaren, or in good teams, gives you more peace of mind than at any other team because anything can happen."