Toyota to Stay Until 2012, If FIA Approves Teams' Plan

John Howett once again called for unity within the Formula One Teams Association, insisting that this is the only way the sport can progress for the long-term future. Although there have been some issues with some of its members lately – as Williams was suspended due to their siding with the FIA – the Toyota boss is pleased with how the F1 outfits managed to hold their position in FOTA's dispute with the ruling body.

According to Howett, the set of rules agreed upon by the FOTA – and aimed at further decreasing costs inside the sport while maintaining equal chances for all teams involved in it – will be more effective than the one proposed by the FIA. And the fact that the teams are not backing down and act as one is only helpful for the future of Formula One.

The current situation between the two bodies is that, unless the FIA renounces the very concept of budget capping for 2010, neither of the remaining nine F1 teams part of the FOTA will continue their operations next year (although they've already lodged 2010 entries last week).

“If the conditions attached to our entry are accepted, I believe Formula 1 will be the winner. It has been extremely gratifying to see the unprecedented level of unity within FOTA. Naturally, we are all competing on the track but we all recognized and acted upon the need for cooperation to ensure a viable future for Formula 1 as we know it. The constructive and open atmosphere within the organization gives me great hope for the future health of Formula 1,” said Howett, according to autosport.com.

In fact, this was the main reason why Toyota joined the other teams in lodging 2010 entries last week, as it was initially believed the Japanese manufacturer is considering pulling their support for the Cologne based team at the end of 2009. Howett revealed that, if the FIA agrees with the conditions imposed by the FOTA, Toyota will remain in F1 at least until 2012, regardless of the team's performances in the Great Circle.

It was the same Howett that had revealed, weeks before the opening round of this year's championship, that only a first Formula One win would keep Toyota in the sport from 2010 onwards.

“We have consistently said we want to continue to participate in Formula 1, and if our conditional entry is accepted we will commit to the sport until at least the end of the 2012 season. If and when that happens, the unfounded rumors surrounding our future should stop.”

“Firstly we need a new Concorde Agreement to be signed by all parties before 12 June to ensure proper governance. And secondly the 2010 regulations must be based on those we have this year with modifications which FOTA has proposed,” added Howett.