Subaru Withdraws from WRC

[cosworth151]

Yet another major manufacturer has withdrawn from racing. Hot on the heels of Honda's exit from F1 and Audi pulling out of ALMS, Subaru is quitting the World Rally Championship.

The news comes as a bolt from the blue--just as recently as last week, the team's Imprezas tested in France in preparation for the 2009 season. However, it has been an open secret for some time that the bosses of Fuji Heavy Industries--Subaru's parent company--were unhappy with the performance of the Prodrive-run team in recent years.

Prodrive blamed this lack of performance on car setup difficulties with the old-shape Impreza WRC, related specifically to differentials and dampers. The British-based team promised their Japanese paymasters that the situation would improve with the advent of the all-new hatchback Impreza WRC, introduced on the Acropolis Rally in June. But while the new car took second place in its debut, in the hands of Petter Solberg, it did not provide the quantum leap in performance that Subaru wanted.

David Richards, Prodrive chairman, commented: "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."

Richards hopes to return to the WRC in 2010 when new rules take effect. This could also leave Richards and Prodrive freer to take over Honda's former F1 team.

[Wizzo]

Sad news indeed, its ironic that Subaru pull out of the sport that made them what they are today. This will impact of their fan base which in turn will impact on their sales - crazy!

Locally my area has seen Lexus, Honda and Chrysler garages all closing down. With the car market in turmoil it makes you wonder if there will be any motor sport left next year.

[AJM]

it's very sad - losing Subaru will be a big loss to the WRC which is as we know facing it's own problems.

Hopefully once these economic conditions have settled we'll see Subaru (and hopefully some other manufacturers) re-join the WRC.

Ironically the loss of Subaru could end up being the saviour of Honda F1

[Steven Roy]

Hi AJM.

Welcome to GP Wizard.  If you need any info just yell and someone will help.

[Ian]

Steven, AJM registered in June 07, ain't seen a lot of him in 18mths

[AJM]

Steven, AJM registered in June 07, ain't seen a lot of him in 18mths

thats right - forgot about my membership here for a while but got an email from the admin staff inviting me back...so here i am

[Ian]

Welcome back AJM, we're going from strength to strength here now. 

[cosworth151]

Glad to have you back, AJM!

I wonder what this will mean for Subaru's flagship WRX model.

[AJM]

Glad to have you back, AJM!

I wonder what this will mean for Subaru's flagship WRX model.

It's good to be back! 

I imagine they will keep producing it - didnt Mitsubishi keep producing the EVO long after they had withdrawn from the WRC? As you mention the car is their flagship model and i'm sure will still de desirable for races worldwide - as long as the demand is there i'm sure they'll still supply (but maybe in smaller numbers)