Toyota joins hunt for Webber
Japanese car giant Toyota has joined the battle for the services of highly-rated Australian Mark Webber as it searches for a Formula 1 partner for Ralf Schumacher in 2005, according to this week's Autosport magazine
Webber has long been linked with a switch from his current team Jaguar to Williams-BMW next year, but Autosport understands that Toyota has already held talks with Webber's manager, Renault team boss Flavio Briatore.
Given Williams' past record on driver salaries, it is unlikely to get dragged into a bidding war for Webber's services. Toyota, meanwhile, is believed to have one of the biggest budgets in F1, although team chiefs are quick to play that down.
Webber said: "I'm not 22 any more and I have got to make the right decisions for my future. The next decision is important for me. Formula 1 is a phenomenally fickle business."
Webber's other option would be to remain at Jaguar, where he has made his name since switching from Minardi for the 2003 season.
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