Tuesday 16th December 2008

Subaru Quits WRC

Another blow to the sport after second manufacturer quits this week

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Subaru has pulled out of the world rally championship citing the global economic crisis. The manufacturer joins Suzuki, which announced its exit from the championship yesterday. Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru cars, said on Tuesday it would exit WRC, leaving just Ford and Citroen for the 2009 season.

Carmakers are under serious pressure to reduce spending and motorsport is one of the more obvious cost-cutting measures, although the sudden departures of two manufacturers will be a serious blow for rallying. Subaru has been involved with the sport since the nineties and built much of its reputation for road cars on its rallying glory.

It is a blow for Prodrive, which has led the Subaru team to six world titles. The Banbury-based company said it will look to redeploy as many of the rally team as possible in other areas of its business operations.

Prodrive chairman, David Richards, said: ‘Subaru’s departure from the World Rally Championship is a great loss as it is one of the sport’s icons. The Subaru World Rally Team has created true champions such as Colin McRae and Richard Burns and its absence will be felt by many the world over.  Although this decision closes a significant chapter in Prodrive’s history, our focus now turns to the future.’

[Luke85]

Huge shame, Subaru are one of the reasons I follow WRC.