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Toyota Gazoo Racing says goodbye to Leupen after 30 years of service
- Ludo van Denderen
Barely weeks after Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe (TGR-E) announced a partnership with Haas F1, the Japanese manufacturer's motorsport arm is bidding farewell to Rob Leupen. He was the Managing Director of TGR for many years, where his responsibilities included the successful World Endurance team. According to TGR, the departure is part of a "renewal of its leadership structure."
TGR-E launched a change of structure at the top of the company earlier this year and Leupen's departure is "the next phase". The Dutchman will officially leave the team at the end of the year, but it has already been mutually agreed that Leupen will step down from his operational role with immediate effect.
"Rob Leupen will officially depart TGR-E at the end of year, and by mutual agreement he will suspend his operational role with immediate effect. Rob has made an immense contribution to TGR-E and Toyota in motorsport over almost three decades of service and the company places on record its sincere thanks, and wishes him success in the next phase of his life," Toyota announced in a statement. It is unknown what Leupen will do next.
Toyota Gazoo Racing and Haas together in Formula 1
The top executive's farewell comes at a time when TGR has launched a partnership with Haas F1, bringing the Japanese back into Formula 1. In the coming years, Haas and Toyota want to reap the benefits of this partnership; Haas wants to become stronger in F1 and TGR hopes to give talented drivers and engineers a chance in Formula 1.
This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton