Gascoyne's move to Toyota is confirmed

Toyota confirmed the worst-kept secret in Formula One when they announced yesterday that Mike Gascoyne had become the team's technical director.

Gascoyne, who has been on "gardening leave" recently, has joined from Renault and will officially take up his post on 1 December. "I am naturally sad to be leaving the Renault F1 team after three highly enjoyable and successful seasons," said the Briton, whose official title will be technical director (chassis).

Gascoyne added that he relished "the long-term challenge of developing Toyota into a world championship-winning team".

Reputed to have the biggest budget in Formula One after Ferrari, Toyota have just completed their second season in the sport, finishing eighth in the constructors' championship with 16 points.

Renault have appointed Gascoyne's former deputy, Bob Bell, as his replacement.