Subaru to pull out of WRC

[phate1229]

http://jalopnik.com/5110732/subaru-o...llowing-suzuki

It's a shame if it's true. One of the big things that attracted me to subaru was the rally cars.

[doug]

Pretty sure if that happens it's one of the first signs of impending apocalypse..

Time to build a bomb shelter.

[R_Rambo]

if this happens this proves that there is no god

[doug]

Wasn't the point of the STi hatch design to bring a Subaru hatch into WRC?

[Vypurr]

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/150...ted-to-follow/

Today is a sad sad day for Subaru fans. It is most likely that Subaru will discontinue their factory WRC team for the 2009 Season. I personally am amazed. Sure, they were not winning 1st place every year, but they still finished 3rd in the manufacturer cup. And they have built their image around the fact that they produce a rally car!

[jcr557]

thats bs, that pissed me off!

[Vypurr]

Every manufacturer is pulling out of motorsports it seems...

Honda pulled out of F1
Audi pulled out of ALMS (after being one of the most winning teams)
Porsche pulled out of ALMS P2 competition

As well as many of the top WRC drivers leaving due to the new restrictions.

[esunbaboon]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72492

Due to the world economic situation.

Subaru has made a shock announcement that it will pull out of the World Rally Championship with immediate effect.

Just 24 hours after Suzuki quit the series, Subaru cited the worldwide financial economic crisis as to why it will also not continue.

David Richards, the boss of the Prodrive company that runs Subaru's efforts in the WRC, was saddened by the decision which brings to an end a 20-year association.

"Subaru's departure from the World Rally Championship is a great loss as it is one of the sport's icons," said Richards, who helped Prodrive win six WRC titles.

"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."

Richards said Prodrive would look to redeploy their WRC workforce elsewhere in the company - having also confirmed that their customer rally teams will continue.

A statement from Prodrive suggested that they were looking for a swift return to the WRC, especially with new regulations are set to come into force in 2010.

"Looking ahead, 2010 will see the introduction of new World Rally Championship technical regulations, which provide Prodrive with an opportunity to prepare for re-entering the championship with a new team and build on its 24 years of World Rally Championship experience and success," said the statement.

Subaru has struggled to find form with the Impreza in recent years. The last victory was in September 2005, when Petter Solberg took victory in the Rally GB after Sebastien Loeb chose not to triumph following the death of Michael Park. The last win on merit was the Rally Mexico in March 2005.

The long-awaited new Impreza was introduced in the Acropolis Rally in May and, although its performance was originally encouraging with Solberg finishing second in Greece, it was never able to genuinely challenge Citroen or Ford for victories.

The team were hoping to push ahead with the development of the car ahead of next season and were planning to run four cars in 2009.

The withdrawal of Subaru and Suzuki in the last 24 hours leaves just two manufacturers in the sport - Citroen and Ford.

[DPancoast]

Wow, that crazy. I would have never expected it seriously. But it just goes to show you how difficult the economy really is right now. It's good that they are talking about re-entry though. It shows hope for everyone.

[Honest_Bob]

Well at least Subaru knows the proper thing to do when money is tight.

[redg2]

very unexpected though, since thats what there cars are known to do..but it defenetly is a good think there talking about re-entry

[phate1229]

Yeah, I'm just remembering this from some articles I read ages ago so don't quote me on it but supposedly the team director for their rally team finally managed to convince the lead engineer or whoever makes that call that a hatchback would prove more successful.

[phate1229]

eh, racing is very expensive except at that level and those teams seem to be the first things going when the money gets tight.

[Roto]

Now if only Ford would come to their senses.

[Elliott18t]

sucks. what would it be now? ford,citroen, peugot, and lancia?

audi,subaru down... four to go.

[Scapegoat]

doesn't ford run a focus in these rallys? and subaru can't keep up?...

anyone else laughing?

[92dxman]

Lancia has competed in WRC in 16 years. They pulled out in 91-92ish after they won 4 consecutive championships with the Delta Integrale. Ferrari (who owned them at the time) took all their WRC efforts and funding and switched them over to F1. This is going to be interesting with only Ford, Citroen, and possibly Peugeot still in it. The S2000 Rules are going to come into play in a year or two also..

[R22B]

Originally Posted by Scapegoat

doesn't ford run a focus in these rallys? and subaru can't keep up?...

anyone else laughing?

Not when Ford's car is badass.

[Elliott18t]

yeah the crosworth is badass

[Scapegoat]

Originally Posted by R22B

Not when Ford's car is badass.

yeah, i looked into the car some more after i posted...

its still hilarious that a company that is pretty much synonymous with "Rally Cars" is beaten, thoroughly, by an American company that is...well... not at all