Winds of Change

It’s finally happening. Formula 1 is undergoing change, and how! First, it was Honda last year that gave rise to the current Champions of the World – Brawn GP. Then came BMWs shock announcement that it would withdraw from F1 at the end of 2009 leaving Team Sauber in the lurch. Peter Sauber did manage to find the team new owners in the form of Qadbak – a previously unheard of investment group, but their entry on the 2010 grid was provisional based on any of the other teams dropping out. Well, Sauber’s prayers have been heard and with fresh news that Toyota Motor Corporation has announced their withdrawal from the sport as well is leaving mixed emotions within myself.

Toyota was never a really big contender for the title, but in the beginning of 2009 they really had heads turned with their double diffuser performance that saw them go faster than many of the top teams on the grid. Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock seemed to be having a great run in the Toyota car. Kamui Kobayashi took over in Abu Dhabi and put forth a great performance to make teams sit up and notice. The team had held back their confirmation in the entry list for 2010 till now, but has finally said that they’ll no longer be with the pinnacle of motorsport. Another team that will feel the pinch with Toyota’s withdrawal will be Williams but they’ve already got their engine supply deal set for Cosworth.

One team’s loss is another’s gain and Sauber will once again be on the grid. Kubica will no longer be with them though owing to his new contract with Renault. Heidfeld hasn’t yet confirmed anything either. As far as the drivers go, it is still a pretty open field as to which driver will finally end up where, except for the few that have confirmed their seats. Cosworth though, seems to be rolling in dough with at least four teams signing the legendary engine supplier for 2010. Add to that the new rules with refueling and 2010 is going to be very interesting indeed!