Thread: :::F1 latest rumors #3:::

Toyota gunning for Kubica

Toyota is making a major push to beat Renault to Robert Kubica's services for 2010, AUTOSPORT has learned, as the Japanese manufacturer sets its sights on securing a top-line driver pairing.

Despite recent rumours suggesting that Toyota could pull out of F1, the team's F1 president John Howett told AUTOSPORT in Suzuka on Friday that the team was not only fully committed for next year - but that it was increasing efforts to sign a star driver that would help it capture its maiden win.

Although Kubica has been most strongly linked with Renault for a deal for next year, AUTOSPORT understands that talks between the Polish driver and Toyota are at an advanced stage - with the ball now in Kubica's court as to whether he wants to take up the option with Toyota, or pursue the one he has with Renault. A decision is expected in the next week.

Howett would not confirm the identity of the drivers his team was talking to, but he has not held back in his belief that the team needs a better driver line-up in 2010 if it is to make the final push to win.

"We know who we would like in the car and we are working hard on it," said Howett. "But their [the drivers'] decision is a holistic decision as well. Will we have a winning car next year? There are drivers who haven't come here in the past who probably regret their decision.

"There is always risk and opportunity, and drivers don't always take the right decisions, do they? That is just looking historically over the past five years."

Howett said that the team has opted to release both Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli from their options for next year because Toyota wants a totally clean deck when it comes to choosing drivers. This decision comes despite Glock's second place finish in the Singapore Grand Prix last weekend.

"We want the options as we think there could be quite a big movement in the driver market," said Howett. "I think he [Glock] did a fantastic job in Singapore and we are talking to him, but honestly speaking we feel that could have been that result in other races if we could qualify in that position.

"I am sorry, it is a very tough life, and our job is to deliver results. He could still be in the car next year, but we wanted to keep our options open. And if we didn't release him by a certain date, we would be fixed for 2010."

He added: "We have a car that is more regularly capable of being on the podium and much closer to the top this year. We are not delivering, and there are things beyond the team and the chassis itself."

Howett, who was seen in talks with Kubica's manager Daniele Morelli at Suzuka on Friday morning, said he was hopeful that one of the big names his team was speaking to would commit.

"I think personally that they would be stupid not to," he said. "We have got a lot of inertia. I think there is a lot of uncertainty about a lot of teams, to be honest.

"We seem to be the focus of everybody's attention but to be blunt there are a lot of teams on the inside we hear rumours of, that are more severe than our condition. I think we have had a fairly competitive car, and we seem to be constantly coming.

"I think the drivers also can see when they are driving around the circuit as well how the cars work and their relative differences. I think there should be at least one or two seriously interested to come."

Howett also reiterated his team's desire in luring Kimi Raikkonen to Toyota, even though the Finn appears set to move to McLaren for 2010.

"We have always expressed interest in Kimi," he said.

omg Toyota is tryna do it big for next season!

so let me make it clear, he said the cars are good but their current driver line up sucks?

OK next year is getting better and better...imagine Kimi in toyota...that would be hella sick tight yo!!!

But remember, Kimi said he won't get in a car he is not confident can win. Toyota does not have the results to back anything up, so they might have to write a big check to bring the kimster on board.

-Markus-

I would rather see Kimi at McLaren.

Originally Posted by Challenge It

I would rather see Kimi at McLaren.

With you 100%. To be honest, I'd love to see him go to Mclaren, and stick it to Alonso and Ferrari. Not a fan of Alonso, although he is a very VERY talented driver.

-Markus-

I sooooo wanted to see Vettel at Ferrari, but that was never really on the cards at this time. He has been recognised at Ferrari and Schumacher is a Vettel fan, so speculation is for the future. Maybe when Massa retires?

^that i would love to see

whats up with Kobayashi driving for toyota in todays practice, where the F was Glock at?

Vettel only signed one year with Red Bull. Although they are saying Massa will be back, I still am not sure. If he comes back and isn't the same driver, they will bow him out gracefully, and guess what....open seat in 2011, and Vettel with no contract.

Obviously speculation, but stranger things have happened.

-Markus-

They said he was sick.

Originally Posted by TechArt Dreamer

Vettel only signed one year with Red Bull. Although they are saying Massa will be back, I still am not sure. If he comes back and isn't the same driver, they will bow him out gracefully, and guess what....open seat in 2011, and Vettel with no contract.

Obviously speculation, but stranger things have happened.

-Markus-

Ferrari is keeping an eye on him, and obviously they listen to Schumachers input from thedrivers perspective. I'm sure you're right and they intend to sign him in the future.