Late last year, rumours circulated that the Japanese automaker was considering a return, with Toyota-sponsored Ryo Hirakawa joining the McLaren squad as a test driver.
However, the sight of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s general manager Masaya Kaji in the Haas garage at the British Grand Prix last weekend has reignited the Toyota speculations.
According to Denmark’s Ekstra Bladet, various media sources this week suggest that Toyota’s initial step could be a branding and name agreement, akin to Sauber’s previous relationship with Alfa Romeo.
According to the accounts, the parties are discussing long-term technological collaboration.
Toyota Gazoo Racing has a wind tunnel and the requisite equipment in Cologne, where the automaker’s failed Formula One endeavour in the 2000s took place.
However, when approached, a Haas representative declined to comment on the unsubstantiated stories.
This year, Japanese engineer Ayao Komatsu succeeded the dismissed Gunther Steiner as Haas team principal.
Leave a Reply