WEC: Toyota's factory team changes its name
Toyota Motor Corporation and its European racing and research division, located in the German city of Cologne, are changing the company's name, which is now somewhat shorter. As of today it is called TOYOTA RACING GmbH — that is the official spelling of the new name.
In addition, the name of the factory team under which Toyota competes in the World Endurance Championship is changing. From 2016 until last year it was Toyota Gazoo Racing, but, according to a press release published on Wednesday, "starting with the 2026 season the team will compete under the new brand TOYOTA RACING and will present the enhanced TR010 HYBRID hypercar."
As can be understood from that same statement, in the World Rally Championship the Japanese manufacturer's factory team will continue to compete under the former name Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Toyota Motor Corporation and its European racing and research division, located in the German city of Cologne, are changing the company's name, which is now somewhat shorter. As of today it is called TOYOTA RACING GmbH — that is the official spelling of the new name.
In addition, the name of the factory team under which Toyota competes in the World Endurance Championship is changing. From 2016 until last year it was Toyota Gazoo Racing, but, according to a press release published on Wednesday, "starting with the 2026 season the team will compete under the new brand TOYOTA RACING and will present the enhanced TR010 HYBRID hypercar."
As can be understood from that same statement, in the World Rally Championship the Japanese manufacturer's factory team will continue to compete under the former name Toyota Gazoo Racing.
The FIA expresses its condolences to the family of the deceased driver.
The whole world was shaken by the tragedy that occurred in Switzerland, where on New Year's Eve the La Constellation bar at the Crans-Montana ski resort burned down; 40 people were killed in the fire and a further 116 sustained burns.
Among the victims was Joachim van Tyune, an 18-year-old Swiss karting driver, and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile expressed its condolences to his loved ones:
"With deep sadness, the FIA learned of the death of Joachim van Tyune, an 18-year-old Swiss karting driver, in the tragic incident in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve.
Everyone who knew him and who raced against him will long remember Joachim's professionalism, his kindness and his passionate love of motorsport.
The whole world was shaken by the tragedy that occurred in Switzerland, where on New Year's Eve the La Constellation bar at the Crans-Montana ski resort burned down; 40 people were killed in the fire and a further 116 sustained burns.
Among the victims was Joachim van Tyune, an 18-year-old Swiss karting driver, and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile expressed its condolences to his loved ones:
"With deep sadness, the FIA learned of the death of Joachim van Tyune, an 18-year-old Swiss karting driver, in the tragic incident in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve.
Everyone who knew him and who raced against him will long remember Joachim's professionalism, his kindness and his passionate love of motorsport.
The DTM champion will compete in the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Our site had written about Ayhancan Güven only a few times — for example, in July last year, when the Turkish driver took part in the Formula E rookie tests held in Berlin. Incidentally, he posted the second-fastest time then, which was another confirmation of his professionalism.
Later, in the autumn, Güven won the DTM title behind the wheel of a Porsche for the German team Manthey, and that’s no small feat. Manthey also won the team championship.
Ayhancan, now a factory Porsche driver, then beat the experienced Austrian Lucas Auer by just 4 points; Auer races for Mercedes and, incidentally, is the nephew of Gerhard Berger, a Formula 1 veteran whose last major motorsport project was running this German touring car series — but that’s another story.
Our site had written about Ayhancan Güven only a few times — for example, in July last year, when the Turkish driver took part in the Formula E rookie tests held in Berlin. Incidentally, he posted the second-fastest time then, which was another confirmation of his professionalism.
Later, in the autumn, Güven won the DTM title behind the wheel of a Porsche for the German team Manthey, and that’s no small feat. Manthey also won the team championship.
Ayhancan, now a factory Porsche driver, then beat the experienced Austrian Lucas Auer by just 4 points; Auer races for Mercedes and, incidentally, is the nephew of Gerhard Berger, a Formula 1 veteran whose last major motorsport project was running this German touring car series — but that’s another story.
Vasser: Someone may gain a huge advantage.
Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur believes that Formula 1 will be in a difficult situation if teams find loopholes in the wording of the new rules that allow them to gain a significant advantage.
Frédéric Vasseur: "Over the past year the size of teams has grown significantly, and more and more people are trying to find loopholes in the rules. You have to appreciate how difficult it is for the FIA in trying to prevent someone from turning up in Australia or Bahrain with their own version of the rules. If we see that the rules were followed and someone built a car that is faster than the others, that's perfectly fair. But if that advantage is achieved through a different reading of the wording of the regulations, it will greatly complicate matters for everyone — and make it dangerous for Formula 1. For the FIA this is a delicate issue.
Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur believes that Formula 1 will be in a difficult situation if teams find loopholes in the wording of the new rules that allow them to gain a significant advantage.
Frédéric Vasseur: "Over the past year the size of teams has grown significantly, and more and more people are trying to find loopholes in the rules. You have to appreciate how difficult it is for the FIA in trying to prevent someone from turning up in Australia or Bahrain with their own version of the rules. If we see that the rules were followed and someone built a car that is faster than the others, that's perfectly fair. But if that advantage is achieved through a different reading of the wording of the regulations, it will greatly complicate matters for everyone — and make it dangerous for Formula 1. For the FIA this is a delicate issue.
IFS, a developer of enterprise resource management software, has become a partner of the Cadillac team.
"The team has implemented the IFS cloud suite, making this system the center of its IT infrastructure. From finance and procurement to supply and design – the integrated solution will support the team's operations," the statement said.
The company's logo will appear on the cars, whose livery will be revealed on February 8.
Many Formula 1 teams use IFS solutions.
"The team has implemented the IFS cloud suite, making this system the center of its IT infrastructure. From finance and procurement to supply and design – the integrated solution will support the team's operations," the statement said.
The company's logo will appear on the cars, whose livery will be revealed on February 8.
Many Formula 1 teams use IFS solutions.
Aston Martin F1 Technical Director Enrico Cardile spoke about the feedback from the team’s two drivers — Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll…
Enrico Cardile: "Fernando is very useful when comparing cars from different generations. Sometimes he says, 'Remember how I took that particular corner in that car — at the time it felt to me like the car behaved better.' All we have to do is work out what 'better' means, what exactly he liked. Fernando has an excellent memory. He's a smart guy.
Lance speaks less; his comments are sharper than Fernando's. They have different perceptions of various aspects of driving, but overall their opinions almost coincide, which makes life much easier for the engineers.
Does Stroll's way of communicating with the team remind you of Kimi Räikkönen's manner? Yes, definitely."
Enrico Cardile: "Fernando is very useful when comparing cars from different generations. Sometimes he says, 'Remember how I took that particular corner in that car — at the time it felt to me like the car behaved better.' All we have to do is work out what 'better' means, what exactly he liked. Fernando has an excellent memory. He's a smart guy.
Lance speaks less; his comments are sharper than Fernando's. They have different perceptions of various aspects of driving, but overall their opinions almost coincide, which makes life much easier for the engineers.
Does Stroll's way of communicating with the team remind you of Kimi Räikkönen's manner? Yes, definitely."
Former chief mechanic of Verstappen's car, Lee Stevenson, who worked at Red Bull for almost twenty years, moved to a similar role at Sauber in May 2024, and has now been promoted — he has been appointed manager of the Audi team.
Audi will reveal the livery of its 2026 car on January 20 at a presentation in Berlin.
Audi will reveal the livery of its 2026 car on January 20 at a presentation in Berlin.
Haas F1 has announced the signing of a multi-year contract with Castore, which will become the team's official apparel partner starting in 2026. Castore will design and supply clothing for the team's drivers and staff and will create special fan collections dedicated to the Japanese and United States Grands Prix. Ayo Komatsu, team principal: "We are pleased to be working with Castore, which will provide us and our fans with a wide range of its products."
First look at the Audi F1 power unit
Today Audi reported the successful start-up of an engine built by German engine builders for the works Formula 1 team and installed for the first time on the chassis of the 2026 car.
But the company did not limit itself to comments from management, who rightly consider this event significant, and set about giving the press and fans a more detailed look at its achievements.
Attached to the official announcement about the first engine start is a conceptual image of the 2026 car created using computer graphics, and the main technical parameters of the power unit are presented.
Below we publish a translation of the information accompanying that picture, although, of course, this information is of a very general nature.
Power unit for Formula 1
System power – approximately 750 kW
Made in Germany
Developed and manufactured in Neuburg an der Donau
1.
Today Audi reported the successful start-up of an engine built by German engine builders for the works Formula 1 team and installed for the first time on the chassis of the 2026 car.
But the company did not limit itself to comments from management, who rightly consider this event significant, and set about giving the press and fans a more detailed look at its achievements.
Attached to the official announcement about the first engine start is a conceptual image of the 2026 car created using computer graphics, and the main technical parameters of the power unit are presented.
Below we publish a translation of the information accompanying that picture, although, of course, this information is of a very general nature.
Power unit for Formula 1
System power – approximately 750 kW
Made in Germany
Developed and manufactured in Neuburg an der Donau
1.
Report: Audi may debut its first car for the 2026 season this week.
The team has yet to officially announce a shakedown in Barcelona.
According to a report from Germany, Audi's brand-new Formula 1 project may take its first tentative steps on the track as soon as Friday. Auto motor und sport states that the German manufacturer has booked the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for January 9, ahead of the initial group test, suggesting the potential for a discreet rollout of its first complete 2026 car. This follows confirmation that the new Audi power unit was successfully started shortly before Christmas at the team's Hinwil facility, marking the first instance of the V6 engine operating within the finished 2026 chassis.
The team has yet to officially announce a shakedown in Barcelona.
According to a report from Germany, Audi's brand-new Formula 1 project may take its first tentative steps on the track as soon as Friday. Auto motor und sport states that the German manufacturer has booked the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for January 9, ahead of the initial group test, suggesting the potential for a discreet rollout of its first complete 2026 car. This follows confirmation that the new Audi power unit was successfully started shortly before Christmas at the team's Hinwil facility, marking the first instance of the V6 engine operating within the finished 2026 chassis.
Discussions about Horner's return expand as obstacles arise.
At the heart of both situations is Otro Capital.
Christian Horner's return to Formula 1 is proving to be much more complicated than the initial winter speculation indicated, with discussions reportedly occurring on two different fronts. Following his surprising exit from Red Bull Racing last July, Horner has been frequently associated with a comeback in time for the new regulation cycle. Alpine has been the most consistently mentioned team, but German reports suggest the former Red Bull leader is exploring multiple options.
As per f1-insider.com, Horner is engaged in talks with Alpine and has also conducted preliminary discussions related to Aston Martin, which is backed by American investors. Central to both situations is Otro Capital, which currently holds a 24 percent stake in Alpine.
At the heart of both situations is Otro Capital.
Christian Horner's return to Formula 1 is proving to be much more complicated than the initial winter speculation indicated, with discussions reportedly occurring on two different fronts. Following his surprising exit from Red Bull Racing last July, Horner has been frequently associated with a comeback in time for the new regulation cycle. Alpine has been the most consistently mentioned team, but German reports suggest the former Red Bull leader is exploring multiple options.
As per f1-insider.com, Horner is engaged in talks with Alpine and has also conducted preliminary discussions related to Aston Martin, which is backed by American investors. Central to both situations is Otro Capital, which currently holds a 24 percent stake in Alpine.
Ferrari will evaluate two concepts for their 2026 car as they begin to reassess their approach.
Rumors surrounding engine development are buzzing.
Ferrari is set to take an unconventional approach for the initial phase of its 2026 preparations, planning to run two distinct car specifications before the season starts. According to f1-insider.com, the Scuderia intends to intentionally divide its early testing program into two separate concepts as it aims for a clean slate following a lackluster 2025 season. Team principal Fred Vasseur has confirmed that Ferrari will adopt clearly separated specifications during the initial weeks, gathering data before finalizing the direction.
Reports from Italy indicate that Ferrari will first test a "Spec A" car during the private Barcelona tests at the end of January.
Rumors surrounding engine development are buzzing.
Ferrari is set to take an unconventional approach for the initial phase of its 2026 preparations, planning to run two distinct car specifications before the season starts. According to f1-insider.com, the Scuderia intends to intentionally divide its early testing program into two separate concepts as it aims for a clean slate following a lackluster 2025 season. Team principal Fred Vasseur has confirmed that Ferrari will adopt clearly separated specifications during the initial weeks, gathering data before finalizing the direction.
Reports from Italy indicate that Ferrari will first test a "Spec A" car during the private Barcelona tests at the end of January.
Bianca's mechanic calls for the return of the stolen cards.
We reported that unknown thieves stole nine karts belonging to the Bianchi family, including Jules Bianchi’s last kart. Dominik Guilien, a mechanic and close friend of the Bianchi family, appealed to the thieves to reconsider and return the karts.
Dominik Guilien: “You knocked on the wrong door, into the wrong life. You took the wrong equipment. It practically has no commercial value for an obvious reason — you will never be able to use it. It is identifiable and tracked, so it’s useless.
These karts belonged to Jules Bianchi. A man, a racer, whose name is well known and still revered in the hearts of all motorsport fans. Jules left such a strong mark on motorsport that even a five-year-old knows his story.
Small karts are allowed to be driven only on very few tracks with special permits.
We reported that unknown thieves stole nine karts belonging to the Bianchi family, including Jules Bianchi’s last kart. Dominik Guilien, a mechanic and close friend of the Bianchi family, appealed to the thieves to reconsider and return the karts.
Dominik Guilien: “You knocked on the wrong door, into the wrong life. You took the wrong equipment. It practically has no commercial value for an obvious reason — you will never be able to use it. It is identifiable and tracked, so it’s useless.
These karts belonged to Jules Bianchi. A man, a racer, whose name is well known and still revered in the hearts of all motorsport fans. Jules left such a strong mark on motorsport that even a five-year-old knows his story.
Small karts are allowed to be driven only on very few tracks with special permits.
Anthony Hamilton creates a new racing series.
Anthony Hamilton, the father of seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, has unveiled plans to create a new racing series called HybridV10.
The series will include two divisions — HybridV10 and HybridV8 — with 24 teams in each. Technical regulations are still being finalized, but organizers say participants can expect "real racing" and "quality sound" with moderate entry costs, high safety standards and cost control — teams will use a common equipment pool, a shared simulator and other resources.
Drivers over 20 years old will be eligible to compete if they have finished in a prize-winning position in the season standings of any major racing series, hold a Formula 1 superlicense, or serve as a Formula 1 reserve driver.
Anthony Hamilton, the father of seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, has unveiled plans to create a new racing series called HybridV10.
The series will include two divisions — HybridV10 and HybridV8 — with 24 teams in each. Technical regulations are still being finalized, but organizers say participants can expect "real racing" and "quality sound" with moderate entry costs, high safety standards and cost control — teams will use a common equipment pool, a shared simulator and other resources.
Drivers over 20 years old will be eligible to compete if they have finished in a prize-winning position in the season standings of any major racing series, hold a Formula 1 superlicense, or serve as a Formula 1 reserve driver.
The car in which Michael Schumacher achieved his first career victory, winning the 1992 Belgian Grand Prix, will be sold at the Broad Arrow auction.
Previously, the Benetton B192 with chassis #5 was owned by the Benetton company and was part of the Renault Classic collection. It had never before been offered at auction.
This particular car was used only by Michael, who raced it in five Grands Prix.
The car's estimated value is €8.5 million.
Previously, the Benetton B192 with chassis #5 was owned by the Benetton company and was part of the Renault Classic collection. It had never before been offered at auction.
This particular car was used only by Michael, who raced it in five Grands Prix.
The car's estimated value is €8.5 million.
Little Hurricane. Chapter 19
This is a fictional story; don’t try to find overlaps with real events. A continuation of "Little Hurricane" by Nikita Savelyev for the readers of F1News.ru...
Chapter 19. A Slippery Spectacle
French women’s magazine. Article “Not the Weaker Sex.”
At the 1952 Olympics women paddled canoes and rode horses. Twelve years later in Tokyo we took part in a team sport for the first time: women’s volleyball was added to the Games. In a couple of years in Montreal the Olympic Committee plans to include women’s basketball and handball. Three years ago women’s football was granted official status. There are many examples like this. Year by year we are carving out our place in big sport.
Auto racing was no exception. Paris-born Valérie Demar is a full-fledged participant in the world championship.
This is a fictional story; don’t try to find overlaps with real events. A continuation of "Little Hurricane" by Nikita Savelyev for the readers of F1News.ru...
Chapter 19. A Slippery Spectacle
French women’s magazine. Article “Not the Weaker Sex.”
At the 1952 Olympics women paddled canoes and rode horses. Twelve years later in Tokyo we took part in a team sport for the first time: women’s volleyball was added to the Games. In a couple of years in Montreal the Olympic Committee plans to include women’s basketball and handball. Three years ago women’s football was granted official status. There are many examples like this. Year by year we are carving out our place in big sport.
Auto racing was no exception. Paris-born Valérie Demar is a full-fledged participant in the world championship.
Cadillac F1 consultant Pat Symonds spoke about the key differences between his team and other Ferrari customers...
Pat Symonds: "We have our own approach. We cooperate with Ferrari under a different model than some of our competitors. We take the engine and the gearbox cassette from them, but the entire gearbox unit, the rear suspension, the front suspension and, essentially, all the parts that some other teams buy from them we developed from scratch ourselves.
I am firmly convinced that you must steer your own destiny. If you rely on a supplier for everything, it will be difficult to win the World Championship."
Pat Symonds: "We have our own approach. We cooperate with Ferrari under a different model than some of our competitors. We take the engine and the gearbox cassette from them, but the entire gearbox unit, the rear suspension, the front suspension and, essentially, all the parts that some other teams buy from them we developed from scratch ourselves.
I am firmly convinced that you must steer your own destiny. If you rely on a supplier for everything, it will be difficult to win the World Championship."