Subaru join Suzuki in pulling out of WRC

Subaru joins fellow Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corp, which announced its exit a day earlier.

Their exit leaves just world champions Citroen, owned by PSA Peugeot Citroen, and cash-strapped Ford Motor Co chasing the manufacturers' title next year.

Honda Motor Co, Japan's No.2 automaker, this month quit Formula One racing for similar reasons, saying it needed the cash for its core auto-making business.

Rallying does not have anything like the budgets of Formula One, where a team like Honda can burn through $500 million a year, and the sport also has a long-standing tradition of private entrants.

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PPower - 12/16/2008 10:33:46 AM

+1 Boost

I'm a reasonable fan of Subaru who is sad to see this happen. However, their lackluster performance in the past 5 years surely paved the way for this to happen during the economic downturn. The positive thing is that I am certain Subaru will return when they are financially able, and they will hopefully be able to be competitive with a new generation Impreza hopefully with more handling focus.

theresmychippy - 12/16/2008 12:10:13 PM

+1 Boost

As a fan of WRC and Subaru, this is really sad news.

Htay7500 - 12/16/2008 2:24:28 PM

+1 Boost

I'm also upset about this too, I hope they can get back together.

WorldofLuxury - 12/16/2008 7:57:27 PM

+1 Boost

Well...that's one less very good and fast car that a girl looks better in than a boy does x]

I am so glad Jezza exists in our world.

ste_u6 - 12/17/2008 5:03:18 AM

+1 Boost

sad news yes but, this might soon leave just privateers in rallying which is far more exciting to follow. large companies and manufacturers have....had money to throw at their rallying all day, now its much more unpredictable and not so professional which makes it more exciting.....crashes, breakdowns botched repairs to get the car to the next stage and fairer competition.

Whelan - 12/17/2008 11:01:08 AM

+1 Boost

It's not that they don't perform, it's that their drivers are horrible. Ever since Colin WRC has sucked.