Rumormill: Subaru pulling out of WRC tomorrow

This is the real deal. A lot of Auto Sports is a dead man walking.

 

aaaggghhhh!!!! Say it ain't so, Subie!

 

Aww jeez, what next. I hope it's misinformation

 

Well, the teams are really fed up with all the constantly changing regulations and now with the series going to the Not-So-Super 2000 platform, they just figured that it was time to leave. Too bad the FIA can't understand that one of the biggest expenses to a team is having to conform to new regulations.

What a shame.

 

If true then DANG

 

Why would they wish to run a spec car? The question is, will any of the manufacturers be around after 2009? Kinda of like the FIA's stupid spec engine in F1.

Time for motorsport to tell the FIA to go pound sand...

 

Perhaps an exit for their two manufacturer teams in the WRC, which is not the 'world of rallying'. For sure I'll be on stages in a STi in 2009.

 

I'll be very sad to see Subaru go. I really like thier drivers. I'm not too familiar with the S2000 spec though. Can anybody shed some light on it for me?

 

Quite interesting considering today it was announced that sources within the Subaru World Rally Team have confirmed there is a desire to employ Marcus Gronholm on a rolling four-event agreement rather than a straight season-long deal. Gronholm was unavailable for comment on this, but he is understood not to be interested in what would be a potentially short-term return.

The change in structure of the deal is thought to be financially motivated. Subaru's budget for next season is reportedly being trimmed by parent company Fuji Heavy Industries and the cash for Gronholm is thought to be coming from Prodrive itself.

The source said: "Nothing is confirmed with Marcus at all. The deal is not straightforward and we're looking at options. One of those [options] could be an alternative to a regular 12-rally agreement for 2009."

Carol

If has truth then I would surmise prodrive will have to find another avenue of motorsports to pursue after 16+ years of running the Subaru World Rally Team - perhaps more Astons in the GT classes would be a good start.

 

FHI to withdraw from FIA WRC after 2008 season
Tokyo, December 16, 2008 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the withdrawal from the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) at the end of the 2008 season.
FHI has participated in the WRC together with Prodrive, a motorsports and automotive engineering group in the UK, over the past 19 years to pursue its goal and philosophy in motor sports activities to enhance Subaru brand awareness by showing that Subaru vehicles offer safe, comfortable and pleasurable driving no matter the weather or road conditions, featuring Horizontally-Opposed engine and the Symmetrical All-Wheel drive system as its core technologies, and to transfer results of race-tested technical improvements into Subaru passenger vehicles.
Subaru has won three manufacturer’s championship titles and three driver’s championship titles in its history of rally racing. This has helped enhance the value of the Subaru brand as well as the sales expansion of Subaru vehicles all over the world.
FHI considers it has achieved its original target in WRC participation. However, while considering positioning the WRC activity in Subaru branding strategy towards the future, our business environment has been dramatically changed due to the quick deterioration of the global economy. In order to optimize the management resources and to strengthen further the Subaru brand, FHI decided to withdraw from WRC activities at the earliest timing.
As regards future involvement in rally activities, FHI will continue to support teams and drivers that participate in P-WRC or the Group N category.
President Mori commented that reaching this decision has been an extremely difficult task, not least with regards to the countless Subaru fans that for many years have cheered the legendary Subaru blue liveried Impreza World Rally Car; "We would like to express our sincere appreciation for our fans’ strong and loyal support worldwide. They will remain an invaluable treasure for us."
Capitalizing on the priceless experience gained throughout the history in the WRC field, FHI will continue to offer Subaru customers products that integrate sheer excitement, safe, comfortable and reliable driving, respect of the global environment and peace of mind based on its philosophy of "Customer comes first."
About Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, is a leading manufacturer in Japan with a long history of technological innovations that dates back to its origin as an aircraft company. While the automotive business is a main business pillar, FHI’s Aerospace, Industrial Products and Eco Technologies divisions offer a diverse range of products from general-purpose engines, power generators, and sanitation trucks to small airplanes, crucial components for passenger aircrafts, and wind-powered electricity generating systems. Recognized internationally for its AWD (all-wheel drive) technology and Horizontally-Opposed engines in Subaru, FHI is also spearheading the development of environmentally friendly products and is committed to contributing to global environmental preservation.

 

Wow. That's just plain crazy. What a shame for WRC and motorsports in general. It is truly a sad time...

 

This really does suck.

 

Racing is supposed to sell cars so when cars aren't selling there's no racing. These teams will be back at some point.

 

Damn!!...and Im affraid we havent read the last bad news from motorsports as Napolis said, companies are just trying to float, and are getting rid of all the "balast"...and guess where publicity/racing goes into...

...I will miss them TERRIBLY...I love those Subarus on WRC livery...and have given the Mitsu guys a good headache over the years

sad but true indeed.

 

I kind of understand why they did it. But i think they are making a huge mistake.
People only buy the Impreza because of the WRC succes.. not for it's beauty

 

+1...couldnt agree more

 

Subaru's is pretty much the only brand that offers a car that mimics the cars that they rally. Mitsubishi have the EVO, but everyone of Subaru's cars are awd, and have that rally influence in them. Without the WRC, they would still be seen as a car boring, granola bar chewing professors drive, and a lesbian brand. Not that their is anything wrong with that, of course.

 

The Fed just layed down the gauntlet today with their 0-0.25% interest rate target. If this doesn't stop the bleeding and start reversing things I fear nothing will. I think most of the automakers are just keeping things tight and weathering the storm, and investing in extracurricular activities is something that has to go on hold for a year or so.

Subaru pretty much made their name in Rally though I'm shocked to see them go.

 

This is sad news. One of the true giants of rallying.