Toyota F1 boss John Howett confirmed that a "weak season" in 2009 would likely see the manufacturer end their involvement in the sport, following Honda's withdrawal after a dismal 2008 season, and the losses recorded by the marque on the global market.
"We need a strong season," Howett rambled during the recent test at the Algarve track in Portugal, "If we have a weak season we have no future."
Despite being mired in the upper-to-lower midfield bracket since they entered the sport in 2002, Toyota once again have high hopes for that elusive first victory in the new season, despite all the evidence to the contrary. The team has failed to win a single race since entering the sport, with three second places and two pole positions the best they had to show for their efforts.
"Whether we have to win is difficult to say, but I think we feel we have to win," was Howett's confused take on matters, "It's our desire and our passion, shared by our people in Cologne, and we feel we must win to secure a very bright future in Formula One."
Toyota bosses were quick to reaffirm their commitment to the grid after Honda's pullout, but on the back of the announcement that the company made around $1.6 billion worth of losses last year, the overspending F1 arm of the team always looked to be on somewhat shakey ground.
And now the 2009 season looks set to be literally win-or-bust for the team.
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