Toyota Bosses 'Shocked' by Espionage Investigation

Toyota president John Howett has revealed the management of the Japanese company was shocked by the news that one of their employees was under suspicions of espionage.

An employee of the aerodynamics department at Toyota was questioned by the police as part of an investigation for alleged industrial espionage. The Toyota worker, Italian Angelo Santini, had previously worked for World Champions Ferrari and had allegedly passed on confidential information to the Japanese team.

"They [Toyota's management] are all shocked about it, because at the company we are used to base ourselves on facts and proof," Howett told Autosprint magazine. "We have entered F1 for various reasons, and we have never intended to do something ethically unfair.

"To have their own point of view, the top management at Toyota wants to be informed of the facts, which we have taken care of providing them. At the moment, they seem satisfied about it."

Howett was confident the investigation would not affect Toyota's presence in Formula One.

"I hope not, but I don't have absolute certainty," he added. "I think the presence of Toyota in F1 is good for both the series and the fans. Our objective is to reach the top. I don't know what might happen in the future, as I don't know all the facts in this matter.

"I don't think there is proof that our employee has taken something from the Ferrari's know-how and brought it here. We employ people based on their intellectual capabilities, and not based just on their added values. If their know-how is rich and interesting, I don't think it is unfair or inappropriate. Previous experience is important."

The Briton said also that the investigation would not hamper the progress of their new car.

"Absolutely not. We are working full time and on schedule," he said.