TOYOTA team manager Richard Cregan will step down at the end of November after accepting a new job within motorsport.

Cregan, 48, spent 24 years with Toyota, who he joined as a mechanic, and became Formula One team manager in 2004.

He will be replaced by Jens Marquardt, who has been Toyota’s manager of engine customer supply for two years.

“Richard played an important part in Toyota’s history. We salute his numerous achievements,” said team principal Tadashi Yamashina.

“We are very sad to be losing a team member of Richard’s qualities but we understand his reasons and we wish him the very best of luck in his new challenge.”

Details of Cregan’s new position have not been revealed.