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.

Never underestimate the importance of a good ramp

It doesn’t appear to be a brand new Subaru, but that’s no reason to treat it like this.

That’s the last time she gets in the passenger seat

Now that’s what we call a nervous passenger.

More naked man flesh than you can shake a fist at

Like the ad says, Japanese SUVs just got a little sexier. Or not. Your call.

[Autoblog]

Like a Top Gear feature, but much cooler

In which Ken Block, Subaru rally driver and co-founder of DC Shoes (they make fat footwear for miserable, skateboarding teenagers), takes his wheels for a spin on a New Zealand mountain. As you do.

“All in all I’m really stoked on how well it went,” said Ken of the experience, which doubled as a cover shoot for Snowboarder magazine. “In all the experiences I’ve ever had, it truly was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done.”

Block is 40 years old. Surely it should be illegal for him to use the word “stoked” in a sincere manner?

Female rally driver will compete in Rally of Jordan

Abir al-Batikhi, a rally driver from Jordan (pictured, above, with her Subaru Impreza), will compete in World Rally’s Jordan round, which starts later this month, on 24th April. In doing so, she will become the first woman from the Middle East to take part in a World Rally race.