Toyota confirmed this morning that current Team Manager Richard Cregan has decided to leave his position within the team, as he seeks to take on an exciting new role elsewhere within motorsport. Irishman Cregan, 48, joined Toyota 24 years ago as a rally mechanic, and also held the position of operations manager for Toyota's programmes in the World Rally Championship and Le Mans 24 Hours.

When the Toyota F1 project was announced, Cregan assisted Ove Andersson in making the plan a reality, and became General Manager F1 Operation in 2002, before stepping up to Team Manager in 2004. His position will be taken by Jens Marquardt, who has been with Toyota Motorsport since 2000, working in the engine engineering department. Jens became Group Leader Engine Track Test Engineering in 2003, and has been managing Toyota's engine supply to Williams since August 2006.

Tadashi Yamashina, Toyota (Team Principal):
“We are very sad to be losing a team member of Richard's qualities but we understand his reasons and we wish him the very best of luck in his new challenge. Richard played an important part in Toyota Motorsport's history. We salute his numerous achievements, which include providing a positive working environment at the factory and at tracks around the world as well as implementing the Toyota Way in Formula 1, where we have achieved significant progress in areas such as pit stops and car operations.

“Looking to the future I am delighted Jens will take this new opportunity, which he thoroughly deserves. Jens has been with our company for eight years and is a valuable team member who has shown great ability and a positive attitude. He has a suitable amount of time to learn his new tasks from Richard and we are confident the transition will be a smooth one.”