Jordan-Toyota

[The359]

Jordan agree Toyota engine deal
The Jordan Formula One team will be powered by Toyota engines next season, it has been announced.

The one-year deal, which was concluded just last Friday, will see Jordan purchase a supply of 2005-spec Toyota RVX-05 engines at an “affordable price” for the 2005 world championship.

“Toyota are to be commended,” said team boss Eddie Jordan. “Not only have they been fantastic to Jordan by agreeing this deal at such short notice, but they have also done the magnanimous thing for the sport by putting Formula One above their own exclusivity.

“A supply of Toyota engines is an enormous boost for Jordan and I am very excited about putting together our 2005 package in the coming weeks and months. This announcement, along with others coming shortly, will revive the fortunes of Jordan Grand Prix and at the same time I hope we can help Toyota in the battle for World Championship honours."

The announcement should end the media speculation about Jordan’s future which followed Ford’s announcement that it is selling off engine manufacturers Cosworth, who supplied the team in 2004.

Toyota’s Formula One team principal Tsutomu Tomita said of the agreement: "The decision to supply Jordan Grand Prix with engines was only taken in recent weeks once engine regulations for 2005 were confirmed. The move to a two-race engine and the recent planned reduction of testing for next year have also contributed considerably to making this deal possible.

“The last-minute nature of this agreement will offer us a real challenge for the upcoming season, but it is one which we are happy to take on. We are pleased to be able to offer our services to help another team, given the difficulties that Formula One is currently facing, particularly with engine supply. I sincerely hope that the Toyota RVX-05 engine will be a substantial asset to the Jordan team in the coming season."

The Toyota agreement will not result in any re-branding of the Jordan team in 2005 and the Toyota name and logo will not be used in conjunction with those of Jordan next season.

 

[Pupik]

Here comes the inevitable question....

What happens when the Jordan finishes better than the works Toyota team? The Toyota engine has the legs in qualifying, but obviously the chassis isn't anything to write home about. It ought to be interesting, but hopefully Toyota won't cut the lifeline to Jordan if they just happen to make a better car with their engines.

Also, is it a fixed-spec motor (only "2005" is mentioned), or will Eddie get to pick the same engines that come from Toyota?

 

[The359]

I assume that Jordan will probably get the same spec engine, at least for the beginning of the year. Once Toyota makes an RVX-05B, then Jordan will probably be stuck with the regular RVX-05, and stay one spec behind for the rest of the season.

 

[kensei]

Here comes the inevitable question....

What happens when the Jordan finishes better than the works Toyota team? The Toyota engine has the legs in qualifying, but obviously the chassis isn't anything to write home about. It ought to be interesting, but hopefully Toyota won't cut the lifeline to Jordan if they just happen to make a better car with their engines.

Also, is it a fixed-spec motor (only "2005" is mentioned), or will Eddie get to pick the same engines that come from Toyota?

As bad as the Toyota chassis has been it is nowhere near as bad as the Jordan chassis.

I highly doubt Jordon is capable of making a better car than Toyota. Even if Toyota stuck to the 04 chassis for the next 6 years no new Jordan chassis would beat it.

 

[TheCracker]

This is good news for Jordan, and good news for F1 in the long-run, the sport needs the independant teams, who will be left when the manufactures lose interest as they enevitably always will?

 

[kensei]

This is good news for Jordan, and good news for F1 in the long-run, the sport needs the independant teams, who will be left when the manufactures lose interest as they enevitably always will?

I totaly agree.

If all goes well in 2006 we will have 6 independent teams on the grid (midland, red bull, jordan, minardi, sauber, dubai), half the grid....good for the sport I say, though I think there is room for both manufacturers and independents.

 

[GilesGuthrie]

It's in the manufacturers to provide engines to the independent teams. Gives the works teams someone to beat.