Schumacher to bid farewell to Toyota
Ralf Schumacher is to leave Toyota at the end of the season, he
confirmed on Monday. Speaking in Shanghai, where he is preparing
for his penultimate race with the Japanese team, Schumacher said he
has decided to look for a new challenge.
Schumacher joined Toyota from Williams for the 2005 season, but has
since enjoyed limited success, with three podiums his best results
for the team. In a statement on his official website, the German
admitted it had been an interesting, if somewhat frustrating three
years.
"I joined Toyota with high expectations, he said. 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 One. And I still get on well
with the Japanese mentality. But I am waiting for years for a
competitive car."
He added: "Toyota also was a nice and interesting experience -
particularly the cooperation with the team, engineers and
mechanics. Still, its time now to look for a new challenge."
Concerning his future plans, Schumacher commented: 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."
Schumacher, a six-time Grand Prix winner with Williams, has scored
five points this season, his best result a sixth place in
Hungary.
