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Toyota mourn late F1 boss Andersson at Magny-Cours

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-06-17 11:30

LONDON - Toyota will pay tribute to their founding Formula One team boss Ove Andersson, who died in a car crash last week, on the track at this weekend's French Grand Prix.

The 70-year-old Swede, a former rally driver who brought Toyota into Formula One in 2002, was killed in a road accident while competing in a rally for historic cars in South Africa on Wednesday.

"We want to achieve a strong result this weekend as a tribute to Ove because without him I'm not sure whether Toyota would be competing in Formula One now," said Italian driver Jarno Trulli in a team preview of Sunday's race at Magny-Cours.

"He loved motorsport and it was his passion to see Toyota succeed so I hope we can achieve something fitting this weekend," he added. Toyota, still without a win since their Formula One debut, are fifth in the championship.

The Germany-based team said they would paint a black band around the cockpit of their cars and in the garages, with a book of condolences in the motorhome.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis also paid tribute to Andersson, who retired as team boss in 2003 but remained active as a consultant.

"The entire motorsport world mourns the passing of one of its most passionate and loyal supporters -- a man who was always a true gentleman off the track and a fierce competitor on it," Dennis said in a message of condolence.