Another team could follow Honda out the door

We’re all still recovering here in the Gridcrasher garage. Honda’s decision to quit the sport left all fans of the sport reeling - and there could be another victim of the global economic downturn.

Indeed, Max Mosley says he suspects another team will drop out before the start of the 2009 season, while Williams’ chief executive Adam Parr told The Times that he expects just eight teams to line up on the Melbourne grid.

Toyota seemed to be the most likely manufacturer to follow Honda, amid a dramatic slump in car sales, especially in the US. But Toyota has confirmed it will compete next season - Honda’s exit means one less rival for them, after all.

If Toyota have decided to tough it out, Red Bull appear less committed. In a statement the team said it was “not surprised” by Honda’s decision to pack up and sell out.

“Numerous other race teams are having similar thoughts,” the Austrian group told AFP.

“The main issue now is whether the reductions in costs all of us must make will come quickly enough to guarantee a sufficient number of teams carrying on.”

In other words, Red Bull are thinking very seriously about their future participation in F1. The drinks company runs two teams - Red Bull and Toro Rosso - but it seems certain that they will look for a buyer for Toro Rosso, at least.

Which team do you think will be next to go, if any? Vote below: