Subaru to withdraw from WRC

Subaru have withdrawn from the 2009 World Rally Championship due to the global economic downturn.

The news comes just one day after Suzuki also confirmed that they are to quit the WRC, and less than a fortnight after Honda sent shockwaves through motorsport by withdrawing from Formula One.

The Prodrive-run Subaru team emerged as an iconic WRC marque during 20 years in the sport which delivered three constructors titles and three drivers titles from Colin McRae, Richard Burns and Petter Solberg.

“This sudden decision was in response to the widespread economic downturn that is affecting the entire automotive industry, and follows Suzuki’s withdrawal announced yesterday,” read a statement on official website www.swrt.com.