Subaru has announced that it will also withdraw from the 2009 World Rally Championship, that’s two manufacturers in as many days.
The decision from Subaru has come as a massive shock to the world of motorsport and the Japanese maker is also blaming widespread economic downturn that is affecting the entire automotive industry just like Suzuki.
Subaru Is A Rallying Legend
Subaru has become synonymous with rallying after 20 years as the Prodrive run team has won six World Rally Championship titles. Disappointment has been felt worldwide by this decision from the iconic Japanese marque. Not only will the fans miss Subaru, rival teams have said that they are disappointed that the company has left the series at this time.
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.”
Subaru's Most Famous Driver Is Probably Colin McRae
The best known Subaru rally driver was probably the late, great Colin McRae. The Scot won the driver’s championship in 1995 on the final rally of that years championship. After an epic battle with Carlos Sainz, Colin McRae achieved his aim and become the 1995 champion and the first Briton to do so. McRae helped Subaru to three manufacturers titles in 1995, 1996 and 1997.
Just like Suzuki the door has not been completely shut as Prodrive is looking ahead at 2010 and has confirmed that the the introduction of new World Rally Championship technical regulations may provide an opportunity for Prodrive to re-enter the WRC.
Committed To Customer Teams
Subaru and Prodrive have confirmed that they remain committed to their customer rally teams and that these will also continue unabated for 2009 and beyond.
Prodrive has sold close to 500 rally cars to more than 400 private competitors and independent rally teams in 47 countries over the past 15 years, Prodrive has.
During this passage of time, Prodrive’s customers have won five consecutive Production World Rally Championships and countless international rallies. In 2008, Prodrive-supported customer teams claimed eight rally championship titles around the world.
Third In The 2008 Championship
The 2008 Subaru World Rally Team finished the season in third in the manufacturer’s championship. There is no news of what drivers Petter Solberg and Chris Atkinson are going to do in the short term.
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