Owner of historic F1 team passes away

Ted Toleman, the founder and owner of the Toleman Formula 1 team, has died at the age of 86.

His passing was confirmed in a statement from his family.

The Toleman F1 squad entered 70 grands prix between 1981 and 1985 before being purchased by Benetton, and currently operates as the Alpine outfit.

Toleman is most known for giving three-time world champion Ayrton Senna his F1 debut.

Senna joined the team in 1984 and enjoyed a successful maiden season in the championship, scoring three podiums before departing for Lotus the following year.

1984 marked Toleman's most successful campaign in F1 as it finished seventh in the Constructors' standings.

Other notable drivers who competed for Toleman during its brief stint in F1 include Stefan Johansson and Derick Warwick.

Outside of F1, Ted Toleman “was an avid adventurer”, according to his family, as he won a number of Championships as an offshore Powerboat racer.

He even took part in other famous motorsport events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Dakar Rally.

Following his venture in F1, Toleman spent much of his time travelling between the Gold Coast in Australia and Manila in the Philippines with his wife, Maitie.

Toleman had been suffering a long-term illness and died following complications from cardiorenal syndrome on April 10th.

RacingNews365 sends its condolences to the family and friends of Ted Toleman.