Toyota Motorsport GmbH mourns the death of Ove Andersson11.06.2008

Toyota Motorsport GmbH expresses its profound sadness at the untimely death of Ove Andersson, aged 70.

He was involved in an accident whilst competing in the Milligan Vintage Trial, when the classic car he was driving suffered a frontal collision around a blind corner.

Toyota Motorsport GmbH extends its deepest condolences to Ove's family.

Tadashi Yamashina, Chairman of Toyota Motorsport GmbH, said: "Everyone at Toyota is extremely shocked and truly saddened at this terrible news. Ove was an inspiration to our team and to many in motorsport. His passion for motorsport was legendary and he is a great loss to our sport.

"The thoughts of everyone at Toyota Motorsport are with Ove's family at this difficult time."

Ove was instrumental in the founding of Toyota Team Europe, which grew out of his own Andersson Motorsport squad. Toyota Team Europe later relocated to Cologne, and became Toyota Motorsport GmbH in 1993.

Under his leadership, Toyota successfully competed in the World Rally Championship, winning four drivers' and three manufacturers' championships, and took second place at the 1999 Le Mans 24 Hours. He led Panasonic Toyota Racing into Formula 1 in 2002 before retiring as Team Principal in 2003 to work as a consultant for the team.