Andersson's first break came in Monte Carlo

After almost fifty years of work within motorsports, rally legend Ove Andersson has made it known that he will be taking leave of his professional activities.

Now aged 69, the Swede built a reputation for himself in the early 1960s, competing at the wheel of his privately-owned Saab and making his way up the field before clinching a major victory on the Monte Carlo rally with the Alpine Renault squad in 1971.

The following year, a long-term relationship would begin with Japanese manufacturer Toyota, firstly as a driver and eventually as a programme director. After setting aside his driving duties in 1980, Andersson worked on building up his team in collaboration with Toyota by setting up a plan to build top-class rally cars from a base in Cologne, Germany.

In 1993 the manufacturer would take control of the team with Andersson remaining at his post. Toyota went on to win three manufacturers' titles before pulling out of the World Rally Championship in 1999.

Andersson's efforts then went on to preparing Toyota's difficult entry into Formula One. He oversaw the team's inaugural season in 2002 and moved on to consultancy status at the end of the following year.

South Africa is where Ove Andersson now plans to spend his time. It would be hard to believe in a complete cessation of activities after so many years of involvement in the world of racing, therefore he has decided to continue advising Toyota Motorsport when necessary.

Daniel BASTIEN
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