Toyota are planning to return to Formula 1 for the 2015 season under the Lexus name.
According to confidential sources at Toyota’s Club Lexus community, the Japanese marque might take the plunge into Formula One after a hiatus of almost 6 years. Toyota retired from Formula One at the end of the 2009 season, failing to win a single race in 140 starts. However, they’ve scored 13 podiums, 3 pole positions and 3 fastest laps in eight years.
Now, Lexus? Well, it is rumored that the decision may have something to do with Infiniti’s success along with Red Bull Racing. The mentioned source also claims that Toyota is in talks with former Japanese Formula One driver Kamui Kobayashi to be their chief driver. Also making the rounds of rumor mills is the news that Honda is also planing to re-enter Formula 1 in 2015 as an engine supplier for McLaren.
The current F1 teams are all preparing for a radical engine swap for the upcoming 2014 season, when the V8s will be replaced by smaller turbocharged V6s. Looks like a perfect opportunity for former competitors like Toyota and Honda to make a comeback.
