Button: Toyota's departure is sad news

Saturday 7th November 2009

Jenson Button says it is "sad" that Toyota had left F1, adding that although new teams are arriving they won't be in the same league at the start of their F1 careers.

Toyota have joined Honda and BMW in withdrawing for Formula One, a move that has seen F1's manufacturers cut to just three; Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault.

However, new teams are filling up the grid with Campos, Manor, USF1 and Lotus all making their debut next season.

"It's sad," Button said of Toyota's decision. "I thought they would continue, but they haven't been able to, which is a pity for Formula 1, and obviously a pity for Toyota.

"A little bit sad, and hopefully we can survive without them. Two manufacturers leaving this year.

"A couple of new teams are arriving, but they won't be competitive straight off, so it's sad, but they obviously have their reasons, as Honda did."

Button was joined by 2009 runner-up Sebastian Vettel, who also expressed his disappointment at Toyota's demise.

"Of course it's really bad for the 600 people who work there," he told the Bild newspaper. "The question is what happens now with them? I hope that an investor turns up who can buy the team."

Post to del.icio.us

E-mail Article Print-Friendly Version Subscribe to News RSS Feed