Ralf Schumacher abandona Toyota:
After much speculation regarding his future with Toyota, German driver Ralf Schumacher has announced today that he will be leaving the Formula One team at the end of the current season.
The following statement was posted on his website:
Ralf won't race for Toyota in 2008. "Having been a Toyota driver in the past three years, I opted for looking for a new challenge," Ralf announced on Monday in Shanghai where he is preparing for his penultimate race for the Japanese squad.
"I joined Toyota with high expectations. On the one hand, I regarded it as a major and exciting challenge to be involved in the development of a new racing car. On the other hand, I also learned to like the Japanese style of living, during my long stay in Japan before entering Formula 1. And I still get on well with the Japanese mentality. But I am waiting for years for a competitive car."
With hindsight, Ralf adds: "Toyota also was a nice and interesting experience - particularly the cooperation with the team, engineers and mechanics. Still, it's time now to look for a new challenge."
Despite his decision to leave Toyota at the end of 2007, Ralf is determined to try to score
points with Toyota in the final two rounds of the 2007 season.
"It goes without saying that
I'm extremely motivated when it comes to racing at Shanghai and São Paulo. I will give my very best to at least finish the mulled season on a high, with and for Toyota," he reveals.
Ralf wishes the team and all the Toyota employees - who supported him in the past three years with a lot of energy and enthusiasm - good luck and success for the coming season.
When asked which team he is going to race for in 2008, Ralf answers: "I'm going to have several conversations in the coming weeks. I will announce my decision when the season is over. For me, the financial aspect is far less important than the chance of being involved in the development of a car and being successful afterwards."
Daniel BASTIEN
© CAPSIS International
fonte:
http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/new...001152537.shtml