Andersson among charged ex-Toyota staff

The two other suspects are Gustav Brunner, former chief designer, and Rene Hilhorst, former head of aerodynamics.

The identity of the three was confirmed by a Toyota spokeswoman, who said the company was notified of the developments by the Cologne authority today.

In a statement, a Toyota spokeswoman said the company had taken note of the development.

"Toyota Motorsport has not been formally notified of the above matter and does not have full knowledge of the specific issues," the spokeswoman added. "Toyota Motorsport would like to stress that the charges have not been brought against the company.

"For this reason, Toyota wishes to refrain from further comment, but remains confident that the situation will be resolved with a positive conclusion for those involved."

Andersson, Brunner and Hilhorst are accused of violating German competition law by using a data analysis programme brought over by a technician who joined the Toyota Formula One team from Ferrari in early 2002, Cologne prosecutors said in a statement earlier today.

The Toyota officials used the programme in 2002 and 2003 to develop race cars even though they knew the software had been obtained illegally, the statement said.

"Separate investigations into the former Ferrari staff member are being conducted in Italy and by Cologne prosecutors," it added.

The charges were lodged in December. A Cologne court that specialises in economic crimes will hear the case, but prosecutors did not give a date for the trial.

Andersson has been with Toyota Motorsport for three decades, leading them in the World Rally Championship and the Le Mans programme. He stepped down from his position as head of the F1 team at the end of the 2003 season.

Brunner, who joined Toyota in 2001, left the team at the end of 2005.