Toyota - We need a win

Howett: Has to win

Also see

• F1 forum
• Live coverage
• Bet now with Sky Bet

Toyota team president John Howett has admitted they need to capture their first Formula One win this season if they are to secure their future in the sport.

Famous for reputedly having more resources at their disposal than any other team, Toyota have still to translate money into solid results - their best efforts since entering F1 in 2002 being three second-place finishes.

After failing to progress in 2006 and 2007, the team made progress last year but with the global economic crisis looming large in F1 following Honda's withdrawal, Howett feels a victory is required to justify their continuing involvement.

"We have a great team of people and I think we just feel we need to win and it is about time we won," he said.

"We need a strong season. If we have a weak season we have no future. Whether we really have to win to stay is difficult to stay, but we feel we have to win.

"It is our desire and our passion shared by our people in Cologne. We feel we must win, and then we can cement and secure a very bright future in F1," he added.

Value

The 56-year-old is therefore determined to increase the 'value' of the team to ensure that Toyota's parent company continues to see F1 as a worthwhile venture.

"I think what I will say is that every team are facing increased scrutiny because of the financial situation, and we are no different from any other," he continued.

"I don't uniquely believe that it is cost that has driven certain teams out of their relative sport - it is a holistic view about the value that is delivered for the investment.

"It is quite clear we need to reduce our costs and I am very confident we will do that. And we need to have an extremely strong season to demonstrate to Toyota that we are value to the corporation for the commitment they are and have made to the sport. It is our job as managers and leaders of the team to deliver.

"So yes, we are under scrutiny. It isn't wrong to say that, but I don't think you should uniquely pull Toyota out from the remainder of the teams. We all need to perform in one way or another," he added.

Forthright

Team principal Tadashi Yamashina delivered a forthright assessment of Toyota's position.

"Honestly speaking, we are also struggling to stay in F1," he said.

"We discussed lots with the Japanese management, but fortunately Mr. (Katsuaki) Watanabe, our CEO, convinced the bosses to stay in F1.

"As John mentioned, Toyota are doing some cost reduction to get some better performance, but we are still alive and, from that sense, this season is very important.

"Even if the headquarters had some operational loss, we spend their money to fight to win a race, so it is very, very important for us to win this year," he added.

Toyota finished fifth in the 2008 Constructors' Championship, with Timo Glock's second place in Hungary the best result they achieved.