Toyota is pulling out of Formula One racing, the world's largest automaker announcing yesterday that it needs to cut costs and focus on its core business.

"Based on the current economic environment, we realize we have no choice but to withdraw from Formula One," Toyota president Akio Toyoda said at a news conference. "This has been a very painful decision for the company."

Toyota follows Honda Motor Co. as the second major Japanese automaker to withdraw from the sport in the last 11 months. Honda pulled out last December amid worsening economic conditions. Brawn GP, which took over the old Honda team, won the 2009 F1 championship.

Toyota officials called the withdrawal from F1 complete, making a return to the sport when and if conditions improve unlikely.

Toyota made its F1 debut in 2002 but never won a grand prix.

SAILING

ALINGHI TO APPEAL

America's Cup champion Alinghi of Switzerland gets one more chance to push for Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates as the venue for its showdown against bitter American rival BMW Oracle Racing.

The Supreme Court of the State of New York Appellate Division yesterday granted an expedited appeal of a lower court judge's ruling last week that RAK is not eligible to host the best-of-three series because of stipulations in the 19th-century Deed of Gift.

AND WHAT'S MORE

Roger Federer reached the quarterfinals of the Swiss Indoors by beating Andreas Seppi of Italy, 6-3, 6-3, yesterday in Basel, Switzerland. ... IndyCar officials are expected to announce today at a news conference in Indianapolis that clothing maker Izod will become the IRL series' title sponsor next season. ... Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Vicente Padilla is recovering from a bullet wound in his leg after a target shooting instructor accidentally shot him Tuesday in Managua, Nicaragua. ... Detroit Tigers All-Star third baseman Brandon Inge had surgery on both knees yesterday and is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in February.