06/04/2006
NEWS STORY
Toyota Motorsport and its Technical Director Chassis, Mike Gascoyne, have reached a mutual agreement which will see both parties terminate their working relationship with immediate effect. Gascoyne will remain a fully contracted employee of Toyota Motorsport until the end of October 2006.
Toyota Motorsport and Mike Gascoyne have developed different opinions about the future direction of the technical operations in the team's chassis and engineering areas, which have resulted in the need for a change on both sides. Toyota Motorsport and Mike Gascoyne have both agreed that a separation has become necessary.
Gascoyne has been based primarily in Germany since he joined Toyota's Cologne-based Formula 1 team in December 2003. After such a long period of time based away from home, this decision will enable him to spend more time with his family.
Mike Gascoyne said: "Obviously, it is the end of an era but nobody can dispute that Toyota has made a big step forward over the last two seasons. We have now reached a crossroads in our working relationship and I believe that it is the right time for us to part ways amicably and for me to move back to the UK where I can also enjoy spending more time with my family. I extend my thanks to all members of the team and wish them a successful future in Formula 1."
Tsutomu Tomita, Chairman of Toyota Motorsport said: "Although we have reached a joint decision to go our separate ways, I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to Mike for the indisputable contribution he has made to our team over the last few years. This separation should in no way undermine the work he has done, nor reflect his technical expertise. We all wish him well for the future."