First Honda closed its doors on its Formula One team, and then Suzuki withdrew from the WRC, and today comes news that Subaru will officially close its World Rally program after the 2008 season.
Having participated in the WRC for nineteen years, Subaru claims to have achieved its goals in the sport, while also citing the global economic downturn for its decision.
Although rally is a huge part of Subaru?s road car image, Fuji Heavy Industries - Subaru?s parent company ? says that the business environment has changed too dramatically to make motorsport feasible at the present time.
There is no mention of the drastic rule changes the FIA has imposed in the sport. Subaru will continue to support privateers running in P-WRC and Group N rallying.
In Subaru?s nineteen year history in the WRC, it marquee won three constructor titles, as well as three driver titles. Undoubtedly, those nineteen years also served to make Subaru the global brand it is today. It is unsure how the lack of a presence in the sport synonymous with the brand will affect future Subaru models. Pictured is Subaru?s final rally car for the foreseeable future, the Impreza WRC2008.
