Toyota flirting with a European touring car programme?

Toyota Motorsport are looking at the possibility of entering into a full motorsport programme in a series such as the WTCC, but any plans are currently at a very early stage.

Toyota Motorsport, which most recently ran the marques Formula One programme from 2002-2009, as well as their Le Mans & Rally programmes in the decades prior – have been attending various championships in order to develop in it’s new guise as a motorsport service supply specialist.

In particular, they visited the second round of the new FIA GT1 World Championship at Silverstone on May 2nd, and will be present at the third round of the FIA World Touring Car Championship at Monza on May 23rd.

Rumours mounting however that this will evolve into a fully manufacturer backed racing programme are premature, as Toyota Motorsport informed us that any decision of that nature would be completely the call of Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan.

Toyota Motorsport clarify that the purpose of these attendances are to develop first-hand knowledge of the championships which their customers or potential customers compete, as the company’s current purpose is to offer engineering, development and production services to motorsport and automotive organisations – but do also point out:
“It is helpful to have a broad understanding of all major championships so that Toyota Motorsport is prepared if Toyota Motor Corporation considers returning to international motorsport.”