January 26, 2011
Published on tags: Superleague
Today Nijo Racing's management, drivers and engineering staff all got together at the team headquarters in Cheshire to face the motorsport media for the first time since the end of engine negotiations. After welcoming everyone to the lavish new media centre, team leader Chris Williamson got down to business and announced the news everyone had been eager to hear.

"As many of you are aware, we at Nijo Racing have been in talks with several well established and reputable engine suppliers in recent weeks and finding the right one to match our team's ambition and philosophy has certainly been a challenge. However, after extended negotiations one company stood out for us. Ladies and gentlemen I present our new engine partner...Toyota Motorsport!".

Explaining the reasoning for his decision a little further, he cited many reasons for the partnership. "Well first and foremost we were impressed by the quality and power of the engine. The turnaround Toyota have made with the improved RVX-09 powerplant is incredible and ensures we have engine power second only to Mercedes this season. The other main reason for choosing Toyota power is that our team enjoys strong links with Japan and in many ways our management styles are very compatible. Indeed this is already proving very productive as we adapt our drive train for the new engines." Williamson then went on to express his thanks to his negotiating team and expressed his confidence for a successful season ahead.

The microphone was then handed to his Superleague drivers who added their thoughts on the deal and the upcoming season. Returning GPVWC driver Ashley Walsh was the first to speak. "I'd say that I'm very pleased with our engine as its one of the best in the field and it's great for a new team to be able to get such a strong engine. Toyota struggled as a manufacturer in the past but hopefully this partnership will bring success to both parties. Its an exciting time for the team and I think we're in great shape for the start of pre season testing.". He then handed over to his new teammate, former ST driver Tom Parker. "We are delighted to have secured the services of Toyota for the 2011 season and all of us at Nijo Racing are extremely optimistic about the season to come and we hope to regularly be challenging for the high point scoring positions. We feel that with the backing of Toyota, these aims are very attainable and cannot start to get to work with the car at the first pre-season test on the 3rd of February".

The team also indicated that development on its Superleague and Supercup cars was progressing well and that the cars are on course to be unveiled early next month.