Bloody Hell: Rumor - Subaru pulling out of WRC TOMORROW

[EJ25RUN]

Autoblog......

Even more bad news (motor)sports fans. According to a report by Finnish sports site MT3.fi, Subaru will follow in the footsteps of Suzuki and pull out of the 2009 World Rally Championship (WRC) season. While Suzuki's declaration was a surprise, Subaru's exit from the world of rallying would be a serious blow to the sport as a whole and its fans in particular. A formal announcement will supposedly follow tomorrow, but we're keeping our fingers crossed that the Finns got this one wrong.


Here is the biggest reason why this has credentials.


http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/wrc_s2000_2010.jpg

Autoblog....

For whom does the cost-cutter's bell toll? It tolls for Formula 1... and for the World Rally Championship. The FIA has announced that from 2010 the WRC will use Super 2000-spec cars, instead of the current championship's Group N racers. As with the FIA's moves in F1 to standardize components in order to help teams save money, the S2000 cars all have third-party-supplied gearboxes and drivetrains, use 2.0-liter engines with 8,500 rpm rev limits, and are prohibited from being excessively modified (if you have some time, check out the FIA-mandated S2000 specs), among other things. Should manufacturers wish to sell their S2000 cars to privateer teams they can charge no more than €168,000. Five time WRC champion Sebastien Loeb has spoken out against an S2000 WRC, saying he won't be interested in rallying if the 2010 regs actually take effect. The Group N cars that drivers like Loeb currently pilot will be relegated to the P-WRC come 2010. We'll find out then if Sebastien Loeb goes with them.


The team hit worst by this is Subaru. The new chassis isn't even finished being developed since it was released just 6 months ago.

http://jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2008/05/Subaru_WRC2008.jpg

[Vteckidd]

from my sources its already confirmed, they are out

[EJ25RUN]

from my sources its already confirmed, they are out

Sources....what are these?

I have yet to see an official release from Subaru or Prodrive.

[Vteckidd]

people i know that work for subaru

[EJ25RUN]

I see.

Looking back at the proposed S2000 rules change, it really is the end after 19 years.

[Elbow]

I am speachless.

[EJ25RUN]

I wonder if they will remain in the production championship as has Mitsubishi.

[EJ25RUN]

Autosport....

Subaru has made a shock announcement that it will pull out of the World Rally Championship with immediate effect.

Just 24 hours after Suzuki quit the series, Subaru cited the worldwide financial economic crisis as to why it will also not continue.

David Richards, the boss of the Prodrive company that runs Subaru's efforts in the WRC, was saddened by the decision which brings to an end a 20-year association.

"Subaru's departure from the World Rally Championship is a great loss as it is one of the sport's icons," said Richards, who helped Prodrive win six WRC titles.

"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."

Richards said Prodrive would look to redeploy their WRC workforce elsewhere in the company - having also confirmed that their customer rally teams will continue.

A statement from Prodrive suggested that they were looking for a swift return to the WRC, especially with new regulations are set to come into force in 2010.

"Looking ahead, 2010 will see the introduction of new World Rally Championship technical regulations, which provide Prodrive with an opportunity to prepare for re-entering the championship with a new team and build on its 24 years of World Rally Championship experience and success," said the statement.

Subaru has struggled to find form with the Impreza in recent years. The last victory was in September 2005, when Petter Solberg took victory in the Rally GB after Sebastien Loeb chose not to triumph following the death of Michael Park. The last win on merit was the Rally Mexico in March 2005.

The long-awaited new Impreza was introduced in the Acropolis Rally in May and, although its performance was originally encouraging with Solberg finishing second in Greece, it was never able to genuinely challenge Citroen or Ford for victories.

The team were hoping to push ahead with the development of the car ahead of next season and were planning to run four cars in 2009.

The withdrawal of Subaru and Suzuki in the last 24 hours leaves just two manufacturers in the sport - Citroen and Ford.

[nsany(atl)]

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/wrc-subaru-axes-world-rally-program/

[Sport1.3]

ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff fffffffffff

[Sport1.3]

uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuck

[Ran]

F*ck FIA. Their asanine regulations and adjustments are going to be the death of motorsports as a whole.

[Sport1.3]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[black_e92]

Damn.:no:

[EJ25RUN]

PRESS RELEASE

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.

[Elbow]

F*ck FIA. Their asanine regulations and adjustments are going to be the death of motorsports as a whole.

That was a little over the top....lol

[Ran]

That was a little over the top....lolIt's none-the-less true. Every move they're making is causing multiple automakers to pull out of just about every class and othat FIA is f*cking up. While I respect making safety regulations to protect drivers, FIA is just ruining things.

[Elbow]

It's none-the-less true. Every move they're making is causing multiple automakers to pull out of just about every class and othat FIA is f*cking up. While I respect making safety regulations to protect drivers, FIA is just ruining things.

:???: :???: :???: lol

It's not really the FIA's fault...maybe THIS issue, but Audi pulling, etc..

[DunDunSkeert]

:cry: http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Carmaker-Subaru-Pulls-Out-Of-World-Rally-Championship/Article/200812315181965?f=dta :no:

Dude wtf this sucks.
I'm depressed man.

[Ran]

:???: :???: :???: lol

It's not really the FIA's fault...maybe THIS issue, but Audi pulling, etc..It's not isolated to just the WRC.

[Elbow]

Right, BUT the FIA isn't making people quit, Honda quit F1 but have been tlaking of that for a while, Audi is running two different series, one an FIA series, etc. The FIA is making new rules to save teams money, to keep series alive in this time, that's what I believe.

[Ran]

Right, BUT the FIA isn't making people quit, Honda quit F1 but have been tlaking of that for a while, Audi is running two different series, one an FIA series, etc. The FIA is making new rules to save teams money, to keep series alive in this time, that's what I believe.Right, and it's really working wonders for them. With a majority of the major automakers pulling out of FIA regulated series, they're going to tank.

[Elbow]

They won't fall, they will just have some people missing until things pick up. But the FIA doesn't run every series, so I was mainly saying the FIA doing things won't always harm another series as you said all of racing will follow or something.

[Ran]

They won't fall, they will just have some people missing until things pick up. But the FIA doesn't run every series, so I was mainly saying the FIA doing things won't always harm another series as you said all of racing will follow or something.I don't think that non-FIA organizations will follow, but I feel that FIA is doing nothing but tearing the sport down. It's been jacked up for a while now and needs to be replaced anyway.

[Elbow]

What needs to be replaced??

[Ran]

What needs to be replaced??FIA

lol

[Elbow]

HELL NO lol bad idea.

[EJ25RUN]

FIA

lol

there was a time when a rival organization wanted the FIA's power.

Autosport.....

Subaru hopeful of future return

By Steven English Tuesday, December 16th 2008, 13:18 GMT


Subaru boss Ikuo Mori says he would like the marque to return to the World Rally Championship in the future.

Mori, who is the president of Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, explained that the manufacturer had to be withdrawn from the sport due to the current financial crisis, but expressed his desire for the brand to return in future.

"We have achieved our initial objective to improve the brand recognition and given the unprecedented economic deterioration, it was necessary to review our investments, these are the main reasons (for the withdrawal)," said Mori.

"The possibility of a Subaru car back in the top category of the WRC in the future is not zero, however for this moment there can be no assumption of a comeback. (But) if we can be allowed, we want to continue - especially for the fans.

"Reaching the decision has been an extremely difficult task, not least because of the countless Subaru fans that have supported our cars for so many years. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for our fans' strong and loyal support worldwide."

The revised WRC regulations that will come into force in 2010 with the switch to Super 2000 machinary is expected to dramatically cut teams' budgets and more manufacturers are believed to be considering joining the championship.

Subaru will still be represented in the WRC next season with independent Norwegian team Adapta running two cars. Mads Ostberg has been confirmed as one of the drivers and the team is still looking for a second.

Prodrive could still work with a customer team to field a two car Subaru entry in the manufacturer teams' class, although no confirmation has been made by the team.

[JITB]

the focus shall dominate!

[EJ25RUN]

the focus shall dominate!

Not as long as Sebastian Loeb is in a Citroen!

[dazn]

Right, BUT the FIA isn't making people quit, Honda quit F1 but have been tlaking of that for a while, Audi is running two different series, one an FIA series, etc. The FIA is making new rules to save teams money, to keep series alive in this time, that's what I believe.

when did honda start talking of quitting? Last I heard they were still developing the 09chassis and paying Ross Brawn crazy money. then they quit f1 and AMAjust recently without earlier notice. did I miss something?

FIA certainly has its downfalls, but every sanctioning body does.

[SampaGuy]

F*ck FIA. Their asanine regulations and adjustments are going to be the death of motorsports as a whole.


So the FIA also caused the financial crisis :thinking:



They do a good job.

[AnthonyF]

I am speachless.

What's that mean? :thinking:

-Ant.

[Elbow]

What's that mean? :thinking:

-Ant.

Means I'm not paying attention to my spelling :2up:

[AnthonyF]

Means I'm not paying attention to my spelling :2up:
Dont you yell at me! :tongue1:

-Ant.

[Ran]

So the FIA also caused the financial crisis :thinking:No, and the global financial crisis is irrelevant.


They do a good job.No, they don't. They get the job done, but barely.

[Elbow]

No, and the global financial crisis is irrelevant.

No, they don't. They get the job done, but barely.

Are you serious???? :???:

[Ran]

Are you serious???? :???:Dodgy officialing, faulty penalties, favoritism, points adjustments, I mean come on man. I know that they're not the only organization that's jacked up, but the FIA has been on the downhill for a while now.

[josh green]

I dont really understand what the s2000 is? Is it a spec chassis and drivetrain and The manufacturer provieds an engine? It would really suck to see all of the same cars with different paint.

[Tracy]

Dang. I always think of Subaru when I think of WRC. Crazy.

[Atlblkz06]

Hell I think of WRC when I think of Subaru!

Maybe the sky IS falling...

[aneel]

Dang. I always think of Subaru when I think of WRC. Crazy.

x2

aneeL

[SampaGuy]

Citroen and Ford confirmed they will stay.

[EJ25RUN]

I dont really understand what the s2000 is? Is it a spec chassis and drivetrain and The manufacturer provieds an engine? It would really suck to see all of the same cars with different paint.

WRC was a modification of Group A rules in that a certain car had to be produced in large #s (Ford Focus, Citroen C4) and have a competition version that looks like the car but is very different underneath. Many people say the modern WRC car is the descendant of the Group S class. S2000 is the class the WTCC championship currently uses and it is much cheaper to build a car to those rules. S2000 tends to make the car more similar to the production version but not much more than did the WRC car.

[EJ25RUN]

Autosport.....

Q & A with Petter Solberg

By Steven English Thursday, January 8th 2009, 14:48 GMT


Subaru's sudden departure from the World Rally Championship has left 2003 title-winner Petter Solberg on the sidelines.

During a visit to the Autosport International Show, he spoke about last month's shock news, his search for a new drive, and the current state of the WRC.

Q. It was a shock for everyone when Subaru withdrew from the WRC. How did you take the news?

Petter Solberg: I feel really sorry for Subaru and all the mechanics, it is a tough thing. I want to get back as soon as possible but it happened so quickly so it's not so easy to plan anything. I got a phone call on the Saturday and had a meeting on the Monday. But that's it, you just have to look forward, think of positive things, and not let yourself get down.

Q. Subaru existed for rallying, they were nowhere as a manufacturer until they won at rallying and then their cars were everywhere. They will come back, won't they?

PS: They built up their brand through rallying and it helped their sales massively. We can see the sales figures have done very well when we have done very well. If they will come back, I don't know, we hope so - everybody. We just have to stay positive and maybe when times are changing....

Q. You drove for Subaru for eight years, that's as long as Colin McRae was with them. It must be hard for you to imagine life without them?

PS: We have a good relationship and I was doing so much work for them besides the rallying. Eight years. It was a huge relationship but that's it now, we have to go forward. I want to drive.

Q. You're here at the show to see what's going on, are you confident of finding something?

PS: I'm not here just for the show, I went to Prodrive yesterday to say hello and thanks to all the mechanics. I appreciated all they had done, there was no point to run away to hide and get angry. Here today, it's a fantastic show, meeting a lot of people... we will see.

There are a lot of things for 2010 but for 2009, I don't know. I'm trying everything I can, but obviously things have to be right. I need the right people around me. I'm not coming just to drive and have fun. I want to fight at the top. It has to be right before I do it, I'm not going to panic.

Q. You're working on a deal for Rally Norway, what are the chances that we'll see you in your home rally?

PS: There are still a few weeks to the rally, so we'll just wait and see. I will do my best, we're working flat out - maybe I have to take my old Celica back!

I have been back home to clear my head a little bit, driving on the ice, and in the forest. We have to try to give our passion for rallying to another manufacturer for the future.

Q. Critics say rallying is struggling, that there aren't enough top drivers and manufacturers. With the change to Super 2000, do you think rallying can return to the glory days.

PS: You can say whatever you want, rallying is a very good sport. The cars are the same as people are driving on the road. Some rules have to be changed, that's for sure. We have to make it easier, more open for other manufacturers.

It's a very cheap sport, the only thing we need is a little bit better promoters to take control of everything and get people even closer to the sport. I think there are a lot of opportunities and you have to fight on.

Q. Is the promotion of the WRC improving?

PS: It goes too slow, they have to react faster. Too many people, too many decisions, too many bosses. You just need to go forward now and think about the manufacturers, the TV, the people, and make it right for them. You just want to be there, making a good show, and make people happy. That's what we try to do.

Q. Is the format correct? Do you like the small stages repeating or would you rather drive longer stages and in the dark?

PS: Honestly, I don't care at all about the format. As long as it's best for the manufacturers and the people who are actually watching it - make it easier for them to see it. That's the main thing. You can do whatever you want, but think about the people holding the sport together, the manufacturers and the spectators - not the people behind the office tables.

Q. Are you going to stick with Phil Mills whatever happens?

PS: Whatever happens, Phil is with me. He is my wife and nobody takes him, you know. He is a great guy, unbelievable, a perfectionist. He has so much passion for what he's doing. I'm very happy with him and he will not walk away.