Toyota Sack Kreyer, Pasquali in Team Reshuffle

The Toyota Formula One team announced today a structural reshuffle that will see both engine expert Norbert Kreyer and team manager Ange Pasquali leaving the Japanese squad.

Kreyer, who was general manager of race and test engineering, had been with Toyota since 1997, while Pasquali had been Japanese squad's team manager since 2001.

"We have discussed this decision with all personnel involved in the changes," said team principal Tsutomu Tomita.

"We acknowledge that the action we have taken may be seen as severe, particularly in view of the significant contribution made by both Ange Pasquali and Norbert Kreyer, not only to the current Formula One programme, but also to the World Rally and the Le Mans projects.

"However, the duplication of function and responsibility created by this previously complex organisation and the need to establish a simpler and more effective organisational structure, which is acutely focused on achieving our ambitious goals, has led us to make and implement this difficult decision."

The team said the Research and Vehicle Dynamics and R&D Testbench Chassis Engineering areas will be merged into one group, headed by Loic David - previously senior manager research & vehicle dynamics. David will now report directly to chief designer Gustav Brunner.

Richard Cregan, F1 Operation's general manager, will take over operational team management functions, as well as Toyota's young driver programme, and will also assume the position of team manager at races.

Meanwhile, chief race engineer Dieter Gass will head the race and test organisation, reporting directly to technical director Mike Gascoyne.

Toyota, with one of the biggest budgets in Formula One, are currently in seventh place in the Constructors' Championship, having scored just eight points in 12 races.