Toyota Motorsport’s team principal to stand down

Tomita, 63, will return to Japan where he will assume other unconfirmed responsibilities. The Japanese car giant said that it is “normal” for senior executives to return home “following a long overseas assignment”.

Toyota have spent an estimated $1 billion on their Formula 1 project, since their participation about five years ago, but have yet to win a race.

“Since 2002 I have been involved in Toyota’s Formula One project which has been one of the most challenging and exciting periods of my career,” explained Tomita. “I would like to thank all of those involved in Toyota, Formula One, at our sponsors and of course at Toyota Motorsport who have welcomed, helped and encouraged me as I have faced this challenge. I am pleased to pass this on to Mr Yamashina whom I am sure will continue to build from the platform which has been established over the past six years.”

Tomita has been a key driving force behind Toyota's motorsport involvement, having taken charge of their engines in 1987, including those which subsequently won World Rally Championships and claimed podium finishes at the Le Mans 24 Hours. He also oversaw Toyota's entrance into single-seater racing in the United States.

He joined the board of Toyota Motor Corporation in 1996 and took control of all motorsport activities, giving him a crucial role in the establishment of Panasonic Toyota Racing in Formula 1. In his position of Chairman and Team Principal, he helped establish Panasonic Toyota Racing as an ambitious team with the potential to succeed.

Tomita apologized at the beginning of the season for the team's disappointing F1 campaign the previous year, but believes that Toyota's first win is closer than most people expect.

"I am looking forward to celebrating Toyota's first victory in Formula 1 which I believe will happen sooner rather than later, based on the technological capability and competent team of people which has and is being established in Cologne."

Replacing his position, Yamashina became Vice Chairman of Toyota Motorsport in December 2006.

“Tomita san has been involved in a number of Toyota’s motorsport activities throughout his career including Formula One from its very beginning,” said Yamashina. “He has been one of its central pillars over the last two decades and I am both proud and pleased to succeed him. I will continue the challenge he has pursued over the past years with the same courage.”

Credits: Kr0n