Schumacher to leave Toyota

The 32-year-old German, who has endured a disappointing season, scoring only five points and qualifying inside the top ten five times, is instead looking for a drive elsewhere in Formula One.

"Having been a Toyota driver in the past three years, I opted for looking for a new challenge," said Schumacher.

"I joined Toyota with high expectations. On the one hand, I regarded it as a major and exciting challenge to be involved in the development of a new racing car.

2On the other hand, I also learned to like the Japanese style of living, during my long stay in Japan before entering Formula One.

"And I still get on well with the Japanese mentality. But I am waiting for years for a competitive car.

"Toyota also was a nice and interesting experience - particularly the cooperation with the team, engineers and mechanics. Still, it's time now to look for a new challenge."

Schumacher joined Toyota from Williams as a six-time Grand Prix winner in 2005 and has started 51 races for the team, taking three third places and a pole position for their home race at Suzuki in his maiden year with the team.

He failed to repeat his sixth place in the championship in his two following seasons and is down in 14th in this year's standings.

No replacement has been announced for 2008, but Toyota are believed to have already held discussions with Felipe Massa's manager Nicolas Todt and are also keen to hand a race seat to Williams test driver and GP2 front-runner Kazuki Nakajima.