28/02/2005
NEWS STORY
Although there is speculation that should it fail to deliver this season, Toyota could withdraw from Formula One, the Japanese giant today gave further indication of its commitment to motorsport.
Earlier today, Ralf Schumacher drove the 2004 F1 car, the TF104, around the heavily refurbished Fuji speedway, which is 93% owned by Toyota, and possible future host to a round of the Formula One World Championship.
The 2.9 mile track, at the foot of Mount Fuji, was built in 1966 and hosted two Grands Prix in the late 70s, the 1976 event seeing Niki Lauda, still recovering from his horrific Nurburgring accident, retire, and James Hunt claim the title.
Following the refurbishment, the circuit is to be granted a Grade 1 licence.
"It's a very good course," Schumacher told reporters. "The changes they have made are great and the long straight is very interesting. It will be a good place for fans and drivers."
Suzuka's contract runs out after the 2006 race and the Fuji Speedway is hoping to capitalize. With the improvements, and the fact that the track is just an hour from Tokyo, Toyota is confident that it will eventually host a round of the World Championship on its own circuit.
Whether its F1 team is still around is another matter entirely.