29 June 2000

Japanese motor manufacturer, Toyota, has been forced to delay their entry into Formula One racing until 2002 following a change in FIA rules, and will now have to pay the sport's governing body almost $12.3 million as a penalty for their withdrawal.

Toyota's decision to wait until the 2002 season is said to have been mainly brought on by the FIA amending Formula One racing rules, which now only allow 10-cylinder engines to compete until 2008, rather than the more powerful 12-cylinder unit.

Toyota, who had been developing a 12-cylinder for its new F1 program, have been forced to shelve its current designs and begin work on new 10-cylinder engine, and therefore have decided that they will not be ready to compete in time for the next new season.

Well race fans, lets hope they get it together for 2002.  Who knows, maybe we will see a race in South Florida with a Toyota entry.