The Japanese newspaper the Mainichi Daily News is reporting that Toyota will withdraw from F1 for the 2010 season. The team are set to follow other Japanese companies Honda (who are now Brawn GP) and Bridgestone who will stop supplying tyres to F1 following next years 2010 season.
The newspaper is citing the global financial crisis for the withdrawal of Toyota from F1.
Toyota have competed in 139 races since their debut at the 2002 Australian Grand Prix, collecting 0 race victories, 3 pole positions and 3 fastest laps.
If this story is true, it is ironic to think that everyone had thought Kamui Kobayashi had secured a drive with the team after impressive displays in his 2 races. Will he have to go back to his Dad’s sushi restaurant after all?
Update 04/11/09 07:31GMT
Toyota at 4 pm-5 pm, hold a press conference at the Tokyo headquarters of the company’s motorsport activities. President Akio Toyoda to attend. We are expecting an announcement soon, possibly within the next half hour. More as it happens…
Jack Sargeant is the editor-in-chief and designer of An F1 Blog. Follow him on 
Bzzz, abuse of the term “ironic”, go back to English 101!
i·ron·ic (ī-rŏn’ĭk)
adj.
1.
Characterized by or constituting irony.
2.
Given to the use of irony. See Synonyms at sarcastic.
3.
Poignantly contrary to what was expected or intended: madness, an ironic fate for such a clear thinker.
How have I used it wrong Bob?