True, but Renault was already in F1 as an engine manufacturer, so this transition was a much easier than when talking about a team with no prior experience at all! On top of that, some of the best engineers, who, by the way, had already built a winning chassis, worked at Enstone. Can this be said about Toyota?manchild wrote: When Renault bought Benetton they got only Enstone - the chassis development centre while electronics, hydraulics, transmission and engine had to be made in Viry (France).
Toyota, with no prior experience, was on a fast track to win a championship. The best way to achieve results when one is placed in that situation is, as DaveKillens said, throw as much money at it as you can. Hence, the high budget.
Also, that $48 million dollar fee would have to be a part of the budget. When you divide that over 4 years that Toyota had been in F1, you get a sum that is higher than what some teams are paying for their engines. And remember, this is something one pays when entering - not over the years. Basically, you have a 48 million for an entry fee, about 50-60 for a wind tunnel, who knows how much for building their HQ...Before you know it, you're up to $300. And then they start playing catch-up with the Renaults, McLarens, etc.