Another one bites the dust

Suzuki quietly backed away from the World Rally Championship this week, citing the global economic downturn as the main reason for their withdrawal. The Japanese manufacturer, which has no rallying pedigree, only started a serious WRC team this year and will be no great loss to the series.

Much bigger news is the hot, breaking news that the Prodrive-run Subaru team have decided to go the way of Suzuki. A report on the Finnish MTV3 network’s website claims Subaru won’t compete in WRC in 2009. That rumour has just been confirmed by Prodrive’s Dave Richards:

“Subaru’s departure from the WRC is a great loss as it is one of the sport’s icons,” Richards said.

“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.” 

This is a great shame. Subaru have a terrific rallying pedigree, with six world titles to their name in the last 20 years. Their iconic blue-and-yellow Imprezas have become an integral part of the rallying world. The championship won’t be the same without them. Indeed, only Ford and Citroen remain. And who wants to see a two-horse race?

With Prodrive not involved in rallying, does this mean Dave Richards has his eye on Honda’s F1 team? Watch this space.