Toyota, Gascoyne part company

Gascoyne, who had been "suspended" earlier this week, will remain contracted to Toyota Motorsport until the end of October, but he will not carry out any work for the team.

"Obviously, it is the end of an era but nobody can dispute that Toyota has made a big step forward over the last two seasons," said Gascoyne.

"We have now reached a crossroads in our working relationship and I believe that it is the right time for us to part ways amicably and for me to move back to the UK where I can also enjoy spending more time with my family.

"I extend my thanks to all members of the team and wish them a successful future in Formula One."

Toyota said the team and Gascoyne had developed "different opinions about the future direction of the technical operations in the team's chassis and engineering areas, which have resulted in the need for a change on both sides."

"Although we have reached a joint decision to go our separate ways, I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to Mike for the indisputable contribution he has made to our team over the last few years," said team principal Tsutomu Tomita.

"This separation should in no way undermine the work he has done, nor reflect his technical expertise. We all wish him well for the future."

Toyota are yet to announced Gascoyne's replacement.