Anders Grondal will not have a programme in the Adapta Subaru World Rally Team for the 2009 WRC

Anders Grondal will not be competing in the Adapta World Rally Team on the 2009 WRC as his sponsor Valvoline couldn't invest the millions required, due to the current economic downturn.

Grondal had hoped to possibly be included in the Adapta World Rally Team next year, to drive a Subaru S14 alongside Mads Ostberg. That will not now happen but he and Valvoline are working together for a WRC programme in 2010.

He will, however, try to raise the budget to contest Rally Norway next year as it makes it's return to the WRC calendar.

Grondal will continue to compete in the Norwegian rally championship in 2009, as the budget has been secured for that in the Subaru S10 and Maria Andersson will continue to navigate.

Grondal will however, try to raise the budget to contest Rally Australia next year as it makes its return to the WRC calendar.

Statement on Grondal's website:

We have today had a meeting regarding the 2009 WRC (World Rally) with one of our sponsors.  As everyone knows the world is in a financial crisis. Therefore, it is difficult to get the millions it takes to get into the World Championship.  Although it did not happen for next year we, along with our sponsor, work together to be in the WRC for 2010. 

The Norwegian rally championship season for 2009 was, however, assured today. The whole team is very happy with this as it looks now that we will be able to run the team's own S10 Impreza WRC on all NM rounds. It is a car we know well now, and we know that the car is incredibly durable.  We will work with a bigger budget so we can test more than this year.  

 

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