Toyota will re-enter Formula 1 in 2015 under the banner of its premium brand Lexus, according to a report on the unofficial Club Lexus website.
The Japanese giant left F1 at the end of the 2009 season amid concerns over the global financial crisis and poor on-track results. However, the introduction of new engine rules in 2014, coupled with a greater reliance on KERS technology, has been enough to lure Toyota back it would seem.
Lexus has proved with its LFA supercar that it can mix it with the best performance cars the planet has to offer. Add to that the numerous hybrid models offered for sale by both Toyota and Lexus you can see why Toyota might want back into F1 using its Lexus badge.
Having Lexus in F1 would also help to counter the increasing profile of competitor Infiniti (née Nissan) following its title partnership deal with Red Bull Racing.
As it stands this story remains a rumour, but Club Lexus states the deal has been discussed at the highest levels of Toyota management and describes entry of Lexus to F1 as “all but finalized”.
[Source: Club Lexus]
3 replies on “Toyota back in F1 by 2015 using Lexus name?”
Hope this is true. Will be good to have more manufacturers in F1.
Toyota name is is good when talking about racing.. WRC back in 1990’s they earn a manufacture championship and WRC champion, In Japan JTCC, Le Mans Endurance and the rest of the event. And they entered formula back in 2001 and left formula with a global financial crisis. but they they good engine quality, the engine durability.. Toyota earn a poduim.. 2nd place 3rd place and third in tthe manufacturing point not bad for the company.. I hope Toyota planned in formula 1 with the Lexus brand will be there top priority soon to come..Go,Go Toyota big car company and good reputation in racing.. Moving Forward…
FYI: Not sure if officially confirmed as yet, but Inifniti will not be a Red Bull partner next year… which makes sense as Inifiniti is part of the Renault-Nissan empire… (Renault owns 43% of Nissan).