Grapevine: Toyota Boss Rules Out Dixon for 2005 Drive

Toyota's president of motorsport activity John Howett has said that Indy Racing League champion Scott Dixon is not one of the team's intended targets for a drive in 2005.

Dixon, from New Zealand, has tested for Williams despite driving for the Toyota-powered Chip Ganassi team in the IRL series, and impressed during outings for the Grove-based team.

Howett admitted a change in driver line-up for 2005 is possible with Olivier Panis and Cristiano da Matta having failed to score a point so far this season, but ruled out the possibility of a move for Dixon.

"I think Scott Dixon is respected by Toyota because of his talent," Howett said. "But really at this stage we have decided that we don't have room, to be honest, and I don't mean that unkindly, with the portfolio that we are developing.

"So I don't think there is any chance of Scott coming to Toyota in Formula One."

Howett said that no firm decisions have been taken regarding their 2005 line-up, but admitted changes are likely.

"Well, as a management team we are obviously looking at the future, the next two to three years, where we want to get," he said. "Clearly we are not satisfied where we are, we want to become a top team and challenge."