Real shame, no more Japanese manufacturers in F1 is bad news. That Bridgestone are also pulling out at the end of 2010 is even worse.
On the positive side, this move means that the ex-BMW Sauber team should get the green light to be on the grid for 2010.
Within their press release announcing their withdrawal, Toyota specifically mention focussing their attention on “developing exciting production vehicles” based on their F1 experience and that they will stay involved with other forms of motorsport. Hopefully other series will benefit from this, will we see Toyota back in the WRC, more trips to the Nurburgring 24hr, another stab at Le Mans? I sure hope so.
