Rally Acropolis 2008. Image Credit Greekadman
It’s a sad day in the world of motorsport, as Subaru has decided to pull its team from the World Rally Championship (WRC). The decision was made in light of the economic situation in the world, which has effected most auto related sport. Only a few weeks ago Honda decided not to enter 2009s F1, and Suzuki also withdrew its team from the WRC.
Subaru, although competing in the WRC since 1980, really took off in rallying in 1989, when Prodrive took over the operation of the team. This gave Subaru a chance to prove to the world just how good its four wheel drive system really was, by showing off the capabilities of their (used at first) Legacy and Impreza, thus increasing sales.
Subaru and the WRC go hand-in-hand, as Prodrive chairman, David Richards, stated: “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.”
A final note comes from the Subaru World Rally Team.
‘Au revoir SWRT. It’s been an emotive twenty years. From the first flat-out battles with the original Legacy to the exhilarating championship years and beyond, you’ve been there with us.
Through thick and thin, come rain or shine, you’ve worn the jackets and shared in our passion. Rallying has always been a sport of the fans, and all of us at the Subaru World Rally Team would like to express our gratitude for your unwavering support over the years. Throughout our many seasons in the sport we’ve been honoured to meet so many of you at rallies around the world, and we thank you for sharing your own passion with us.
Although news of Subaru’s sudden withdrawal next year has come as quite a shock to all of us here in the team, who knows what the future may bring? In the words of President Mori, Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru): “Regarding the future participation, I don’t think this is ‘eternally never’ or ‘zero chance’, however for the time being, there will be no comeback and it will end this time.”
From all at SWRT, au revoir.’
Information taken from Wikipedia
and Subaru World Rally Team
Interesting Links:
www.prodrive.com
www.scoobycity.co.uk
