Formula One news

Toyota tributes for departing Ralf

Toyota marked the final race with the team for Ralf Schumacher and the race team united to say a fond farewell in the Interlagos pit lane on the morning of the Brazilian Grand Prix. After three years with Toyota, Ralf completed his final race in 11th place but before that his colleagues gathered together in the pits to present him with a rear wing end plate, signed by the race team, as well as a 10kg cake.

Since joining the team for the 2005 season, Ralf has scored three podium finishes, one pole position and 70 points.

Chairman and Team Principal Tadashi Yamashina said: "I would like to thank Ralf for his contribution to the team. We have had some good times together, even though we have not had the results we all expected. Ralf brought valuable experience to the team and helped us move forward. He has worked well with the team and in many ways we are sorry our relationship is coming to an end. However, circumstances change and we wish Ralf all the best in his future career." 

President John Howett said: "We will all remember Ralf's podium finishes with Panasonic Toyota Racing with great fondness and we are proud of those results. When we signed Ralf to the team we expected him to bring a great deal of experience which would help the team progress and that is exactly what he did. Even though his time with the team is ending, we still have a good relationship with Ralf and I speak for the whole team in saying thank you and good luck."

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