Toyota's Road to Formula One

By Andrew Hooper
August 15 2003

	Road to Formula One
	"Toyota has a long-term vision of being able to challenge for the FIA Formula 1 Constructors' and Drivers' titles. Nothing less." Foundations for success: 1957: Motorsport activities begin with Toyopet Crown in Australian rally. 1960's: Toyota develops true sportscars for the first time. 1972: Ove Andersson drives Toyota Celica 1600GT to best of its class in RAC Rally of Britain. 1973: Toyota embarks on a works rally programme, claims debut victory. 1975: Andersson Motorsport is founded in Brussels and runs as Toyota Team Europe. 1979: Toyota Team Europe relocates to Cologne, Germany. Toyota Motorsport's World Rally Championship (WRC) Years 1990: Carlos Sainz takes 1st WRC Drivers' Title. 1992: Carlos Sainz takes 2nd WRC Drivers' Title. 1993: Toyota Motor Corporation acquires Andersson Motorsport GmbH Toyota takes 1st WRC Manufacturers' and 3rd Drivers' Title. 1994: Toyota takes 2nd WRC Manufacturers' and 4th Drivers' Title. 1999: Toyota takes 3rd Manufacturers' title and leaves WRC with 43 wins. Toyota Motorsport's Le Mans Years 1997: Toyota Motor Corporation entrusts Toyota Motorsport with the design, build and operation of its entry in the Le Mans 24 Hour race. It was the first time Toyota had given full responsibility for such a large project - a two-year programme - to any non-Japan based team. 1998: Toyota enters 3 cars for Le Mans. Qualifies 2nd, sets fastest lap. 1999: Le Mans Pole position. One car finishes a strong 2nd.